A Sudanese national has pleaded guilty to attempting to kidnap a teenage girl in an attack in Swindon town centre.
Abdulmawal Ibrahim Adam approached his 17-year-old vicim in Princes Street as she walked home from work at around 9.30pm on 6 March.
The 27-year-old started talking to her, following her as she walked towards Fleming Way – despite her trying to flat down passing motorists for help.
As she crossed the road, the Sudanese national then ran towards her, grabbed her and dragged her back across the road.
Fortunately, members of the public riding a bus which had just arrived at the lights intervened.
The suspect then ran off down Princes Street, where he tried engaging with another woman and attempted to follow her before she got away from him.
Adam then followed a female witness to the attempted kidnap, before members of the public again intervened.
The incident was reported to police later that evening by the victim’s mother, and following enquiries Adam was arrested and charged with attempted kidnap. He was remanded into custody.
At Swindon Crown Court on Monday (13 October), the defendant, of Stanier Street, pleaded guilty to attempted kidnap. He is due to be sentenced on 12 December.
Investigating officer DC Anna McCormack from Swindon CID said: “This was a terrifying incident for the victim and I appreciate the significant impact this will have on the victim moving forward.
“I would like to pay tribute to her for the strength she has shown throughout the process.
“I’d also like to thank the various members of the public who assisted the victim at the time of the incident who potentially ensured that the incident wasn’t much worse than it was.
“Following the reporting of the incident to the police, it was taken incredibly seriously and Adam was charged and remanded into custody following a swift investigation.
“I’m pleased he has now pleaded guilty and been remanded into custody ahead of sentencing.”
Dale Sheehan, Senior Crown Prosecutor, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Abdulmawal Ibrahim Adam preyed on a teenager while she was walking home, putting her through a distressing ordeal after he grabbed her from behind.
“Members of the public stopped to assist the victim, pursued Adam and recorded footage of him.
“Their actions, alongside supporting evidence, were instrumental in securing the conviction.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe and be safe within our community. Violence against women and girls will not be tolerated, and the Crown Prosecution Service is committed to ensuring those responsible for such crimes are brought to justice.”
