Crime

Ministers criticised after report finds 52 missed chances to stop paedophile headteacher

Published

5 months ago

November 6, 2025

A SENEDD Conservative leader has accused ministers and Gwynedd Council of “serious safeguarding failings” after an independent review found that more than fifty opportunities were missed to stop a paedophile headteacher from abusing children.

A Child Practice Review into the case of Neil Foden – a former headteacher at Ysgol Friars in Bangor – found that 52 separate concerns were raised about his conduct between 2018 and 2023 but not acted upon. The report said key agencies failed to identify patterns of behaviour and did not share vital safeguarding information effectively.

Foden, who was jailed earlier this year for multiple sexual offences against pupils, had worked in education for over three decades and held senior positions across north Wales. His arrest in 2023 came after complaints were finally passed to police by staff members.

The review, commissioned by the North Wales Safeguarding Children Board, concluded that “professional curiosity was lacking” and that both the school and local authority failed to recognise risk indicators. It added that the case exposed “systemic weaknesses” in how concerns about staff in positions of trust are handled.

Andrew RT Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, said: “It is deeply shocking that Plaid Cymru-led Gwynedd Council missed more than 50 opportunities to stop child sex abuse by the paedophile headteacher Neil Foden.

“Since 2018, there has been no national oversight of some child safeguarding reviews in schools – after funding was scrapped during the tenure of the then-Liberal Democrat Education Minister.

“These are serious safeguarding failings and both Plaid Cymru councillors in Gwynedd and Senedd ministers have many questions to answer.”

In response, a Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The findings of this Child Practice Review are deeply concerning. We expect all local authorities to review their safeguarding arrangements immediately to ensure lessons are learned. We will continue to work closely with regional safeguarding boards to strengthen national oversight.”

Gwynedd Council also issued a statement following the report’s publication, acknowledging “significant shortcomings” and pledging to implement all recommendations in full. The authority said it was “deeply sorry for the distress caused to the victims and their families”.

The review has prompted renewed debate over the decision in 2018 to withdraw funding for the Independent Investigation Service, which previously provided national oversight of safeguarding reviews in education. Critics say that gap in accountability left schools reliant on inconsistent local procedures.

The case has reignited calls for a Wales-wide child protection body with statutory powers to monitor how councils handle allegations against education staff.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

5 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Police seize off-road bike after anti-social driving complaints in Hakin

Published

7 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

OFFICERS from Milford Haven and Neyland Police have seized an off-road bike following multiple reports of reckless and anti-social driving in the Hakin area.

Members of the public raised concerns about the manner in which the bike was being ridden, prompting police action. The vehicle was seized yesterday (Tuesday) as part of efforts to address ongoing issues linked to illegal off-road biking.

Police have reminded residents that such bikes are not road legal and must only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

Officers are urging the public to continue reporting incidents and sharing information to help tackle the problem in local communities.

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, via email at [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Milford roofer fined after abusive call to rival firm

Published

9 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

56-year-old admitted making threats and using offensive language in business dispute

A MILFORD HAVEN roofer has been fined after making an abusive and threatening phone call to a rival company.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard that on Sunday (Feb 2), John Fitzgerald, 56, made a single phone call to a competing roofing business.

“During the course of the phone call, threats were made to the other company’s boss,” said Crown Prosecutor Nia James.

“The reason for the threats was that the defendant believes this other company is taking business away from him. The lady who took the call felt alarmed and distressed as he used foul language towards her.”

The court heard the victim contacted police following the incident but chose not to provide a victim impact statement and did not seek a restraining order.

“When he was spoken to by officers he said he’d been a d***,” added Nia James.

“He said he’d had a couple of beers and was getting wound up, as he was fed up with them nicking his work. But it was just one phone call.”

Representing Fitzgerald, Fenn Richards said he accepted his wrongdoing.

“He accepts wrongdoing as he’d had a few too many drinks, he made the phone call, and people were winding him up,” she said.

“The defendant has been in the roofing trade since he was 14, and he believed this person had set up a new business and was taking business away from him. But he didn’t mean any harm by it.”

Fitzgerald, of Elm Lane, Milford Haven, was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £32 surcharge.