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Abdulmawal Ibrahim Adam
A man has pleaded guilty to attempting to kidnap a 17-year-old girl in Swindon.
Abdulmawal Ibrahim Adam, 27, of Stanier Street, Swindon, admitted the offence in a hearing at Swindon Crown Court today (14/10).
He has been remanded into custody and is due to be sentenced on December 12.
At around 9.30pm on March 6, Adam, a Sudanese national, approached the victim in Princes Street near Fleming Way, Swindon, as she was walking home from work.
He started talking to her against her will and followed her as she walked towards the junction with Fleming Way, despite her trying to flag down passing vehicles.
As the victim crossed the road at the traffic lights, Adam 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.
Having previously refused to engage with the police and the courts process, he pleaded guilty today.
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.”
