A bus passenger was subjected to distressing harassment after a woman filmed her and loudly accused her of being a “nonce” and a “paedophile” at Caernarfon bus station. The incident unfolded on 21 March, leaving the victim unable to leave the scene, according to details heard at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court.
Stacey Caddick, aged 33, of Hirnant, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, admitted harassing the woman following what she wrongly believed to be suspicious behaviour. Caddick maintained during her appearance at court on 31 July that she had confronted the victim after suspecting her of photographing children at the busy bus station, yet later acknowledged her approach had been “clumsy.”
Footage from Caddick’s mobile phone, played in court by prosecutor Hannah Williams, captured the distressing moments as the defendant repeatedly levelled grave accusations at the woman. Despite strenuous denials, Caddick continued to use charged and threatening language, at one point suggesting that physical violence would have occurred were they not on public transport. Caddick was also heard shouting that the other woman should “get back to her own country,” escalating the alarming nature of the encounter.
Ms Williams described the incident as “unpleasant” as well as “sustained,” and emphasised that the victim had no realistic means of escape during the ordeal. The court was told that no legitimate allegations had been made to police against the victim, and no evidence of any wrongdoing had been found. Caddick pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
In mitigation, defence solicitor Deborah Tennant-Davies told the court that Caddick’s actions were influenced by her emotional state and information relayed to her by local children, combined with what she had seen on social media. Caddick’s solicitor explained the defendant’s vulnerable situation, detailing how Caddick cares for her father, who suffers from advanced dementia, and that these responsibilities, coupled with her own ongoing struggles with addiction and mental health, contributed to her “not coping well.”
The court also noted Caddick’s previous encounters with the criminal justice system. Magistrates heard she was already subject to a 12-month community order imposed in May for separate shoplifting offences, but her commitment to probation was questioned due to difficulties balancing her care responsibilities and attending appointments. Judge Susan Jones, presiding over the case, commented on the seriousness of the sustained public harassment, particularly as it occurred in front of children.
Taking into consideration Caddick’s role as her father’s carer and her complex personal circumstances, the 16-week custodial sentence was suspended for 12 months. The existing community order was revoked, and she was ordered instead to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity. Further, Caddick was ordered to pay £100 in compensation to the victim.
This case highlights the broader issues at play surrounding public belief and the dangers of acting impulsively based on suspicion and misinformation. It also illustrates the difficult decision courts sometimes face when balancing public protection with the realities of the defendant’s personal and family situation.
As police confirmed that no complaints had ever been made about the victim and no evidence supported the grave accusations, magistrates reinforced the importance of not jumping to conclusions in public spaces. The case also underscores the lasting impact unwarranted harassment can have on members of the community.
For updates on local court proceedings and more breaking news, readers are encouraged to stay informed via reputable sources and to consider the potentially damaging ramifications of public accusation without evidence.