Victims are outraged that Neil Foden, a convicted paedophile and former headteacher at Ysgol Friars in Bangor, is still receiving his pension while behind bars. Despite being jailed for 17 years in 2024 for abusing four girls, Foden continues to collect a “generous” pension, leaving his victims feeling let down by the system.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP and Plaid Cymru’s leader, Liz Saville Roberts, brought this issue to Parliament, demanding Foden be stripped of his pension. She highlighted the anger of Foden’s victims and pressed for urgent action.
The UK Education Secretary assured that the decision on Foden’s pension is expected soon. Meanwhile, Nia Jeffreys, the leader of Gwynedd Council, blasted the situation as “disgraceful,” reflecting the sentiments of many in the community. She pledged to keep up the pressure on the UK Government to revoke Foden’s entitlements.
Foden’s long career in education ended in disgrace when his criminal past caught up with him in 2023. A report revealed numerous missed opportunities to stop his abuse over the years. Victims bravely came forward to share their stories, with the court describing Foden as a manipulative figure who exploited his position for years.
The ball is now in the court of the UK Government’s Department of Education, which holds the power to strip Foden of his pension. As the community waits for a resolution, the anger and frustration among victims and locals continue to mount. The hope is for justice to prevail and for Foden to lose his entitlement once and for all.