Families plan to take legal action against council over paedophile headteacher
Families who say their children were subjected to abuse by convicted paedophile Neil Foden are planning to take legal action against Gwynedd Council.
Foden, 66, was convicted at Mold Crown Court of 19 offences, including 12 of sexual activity with a child, involving the abuse of four girls between 2019 and 2023.
He was sentenced to 17 years in prison.
During the trial, the court heard how a teacher raised concerns about Foden meeting teenagers alone with Gwynedd Council’s then director of education, Garem Jackson, in 2019 but the council failed to investigate.
No records of the meeting were kept. Mr Jackson said he was asked to speak to Foden about his behaviour, which he said he did.
Andrew Grove & Co Solicitors in Cambridgeshire is now acting on behalf of potential claimants in a planned civil lawsuit against the local authority.
Solicitor Katherine Yates is appealing for anyone who suffered emotional, psychological, physical or sexual abuse at Foden’s hands to contact them.
Ms Yates said: "This case raises a lot of questions. There seems to be a long history of complaints against Foden, so why wasn’t anything done sooner?
"Whether you were abused by him or have information that might be useful to our investigation, please come forward. We’re offering our support to anyone that suffered abuse from Foden in any capacity."
Foden was also found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct in 2020 after the Education Workforce Council panel heard allegations against him from three members of staff between April 2014 and October 2016.
A council spokesperson said: "We have been appalled by the nature of the crimes committed by Neil Foden and our thoughts continue to be with the victims and their families at this difficult time.
"We commend and admire the remarkable courage and resilience they have displayed by coming forward and throughout the criminal trial.
"Following the criminal case and guilty verdict, the North Wales Safeguarding Board has begun the work of carrying out a Children's Practice Review, in accordance with Welsh Government guidelines. The review is led by an independent chair and two experienced reviewers.
"The review will bring together organisations... to identify what lessons are to be learned and what improvements need to be introduced.
"Cyngor Gwynedd is committed to cooperating fully with this review and we have already submitted a significant number of documents and information for their attention.
"No stone will be left unturned to ensure that the board gets a full picture of our services’ work arrangements and protocols and we will respond immediately to any recommendations or lessons that are highlighted.
"Until all this independent review has been completed, it would not be appropriate for Cyngor Gwynedd to comment further.”
Katherine Yates can be contacted at Andrew Grove and Co on 01223 367133 or 07810 224545 or by email: katherine@andrewgroveandco.com
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