There are calls for a comprehensive Statutory Inquiry after a former headteacher at Ysgol Friars in Bangor was found guilty of multiple charges of child sexual abuse.
Neil Foden was sentenced to 17 years in prison on Monday, following a trial in Mold Crown Court where he was found guilty of 19 charges out of 20, including 12 charges of sexual activity with a child, and crimes against children in his trust.
In a joint statement, Siân Gwenllian MS, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS and Liz Saville Roberts are calling for a comprehensive and independent Statutory Inquiry with a focus on prioritising children’s welfare without compromise.
Siân Gwenllian MS, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS and Liz Saville Roberts said: ‘Following the sentencing of the former headteacher of Ysgol Friars to 17 years in prison for multiple child abuse offences, we call for a statutory inquiry into how Neil Foden was in a position to commit such vile crimes against vulnerable pupils in his care.’
‘Children and their families in north west Wales have suffered appalling crimes. They remain in our thoughts and our priority must be to ensure that no child suffers in this way ever again.’
‘Ysgol Friars provides secondary education for families living in the immediate Bangor catchment area and for many children living further afield in Gwynedd, Ynys Môn and Conwy. All these families must have confidence in the independence and comprehensiveness of the inquiry and its terms of reference which needs to uncover the full extent of the failings and ensure that appropriate measures are put in place without delay to prevent such occurrences in the future.’
‘Whilst acknowledging that the North Wales Safeguarding Board is undertaking a child practice review, we believe that a statutory inquiry is necessary if we are to learn all the lessons required to prevent such abhorrent crimes in the future.’
‘Unlike a statutory inquiry, the Safeguarding Board has no power to compel witnesses to give evidence, neither is their evidence given under oath. The Ysgol Friars inquiry must be able to collect evidence in full. For the sake of the children and the families involved and for the sake of all children, a statutory inquiry is essential.’
Following the sentencing, Ysgol Friars issued a statement which said: “In accordance with national guidelines, the next step will be for the North Wales Safeguarding Board to carry out a Child Practice Review. The independent reviewers have been appointed and they have already started their work. Staff in Ysgol Friars are happy to be able to co-operate with and support this important work.”
Photo: BBC
