A 28-year-old man, identified as Abdulmawal Ibrahim Adam, has been sentenced to over four years in prison following his attempted abduction of a 17-year-old girl in Swindon, Wiltshire. The incident, which occurred in broad daylight on March 6, 2024, was captured on CCTV, revealing the alarming nature of the attack.
The footage shows the teenager walking home after work when Adam approached her near a set of traffic lights. He reportedly grabbed her from behind, dragging her across the road as she screamed for help. Fortunately, several bystanders intervened, allowing the girl to escape his grasp. Adam fled the scene but was pursued by a witness who filmed him, aiding police in his eventual arrest.
After the victim’s mother reported the incident to the authorities later that evening, Adam was apprehended and charged with attempted kidnapping. He appeared before Swindon Crown Court on December 12, 2024, where he received a sentence of four years and one month, alongside a nearly three-year licence period aimed at public protection.
During the sentencing, Judge Jason Taylor KC expressed serious concern about Adam’s potential to harm others, particularly women. He emphasized the need to protect the public from Adam’s actions, stating, “Those members of the public most at risk are female, and they must be protected from you.” The judge recounted the disturbing details of the attack, noting that Adam attempted to engage the girl in conversation about money before making inappropriate propositions, despite her clear refusals.
Witnesses described Adam’s actions as aggressive, with his smiling demeanor contrasting sharply with the terror experienced by the victim. The incident has drawn attention not only for its brutality but also for the broader implications regarding personal safety in public spaces.
Adam reportedly arrived in the UK via a small boat from Sudan in September 2023, fleeing the ongoing conflict in the Darfur region. His stay in the country quickly became contentious, leading to charges for entering without valid documentation. Throughout his legal proceedings, Adam’s refusal to cooperate with legal counsel contributed to an eight-month delay in his case.
As authorities continue to address issues related to immigration and public safety, this case highlights the importance of vigilance and community intervention in preventing crime. The swift response of bystanders played a crucial role in ensuring the young girl’s safety during this harrowing incident.
