Bangor headteacher charged with sexual offences begins his evidence

Neil Foden, 66, of Gwynant, Old Colwyn, denies all charges put to him, which date from 2019 to 2023 and include five alleged victims.

His trial started on April 22, with his charges as follows:

• 13 counts of sexual activity with a child.
• Two counts of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust.
• Causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
• Possessing indecent images of a child.
• Sexual assault of a child.
• Sexual communication with a child.
• Attempting to arrange the commission of a child sexual offence.

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Foden began giving evidence at 11.45am, with much of it so far centred on his background, his route into teaching, and his involvement in pastoral care.

Currently being quizzed by Duncan Bould, the barrister representing him, Foden will continue giving evidence after lunch this afternoon.

He is wearing a dark-coloured polo shirt, jeans and blue trainers.

It is the prosecution’s belief that Foden “grossly abused the trust and responsibility” placed in him as headmaster.

He was arrested in early September 2023 after the allegations had been reported to his school and to Gwynedd Council, and has been remanded in custody since then.