A shocking attempted kidnapping in Swindon, Wiltshire, was thwarted thanks to the courage and quick action of bus passengers. A 27-year-old Sudanese citizen, Abdulmawal Ibrahim Adam, tried to abduct a 17-year-old girl on October 14, 2025, but witnesses intervened, preventing a potential tragedy. The incident has sparked discussions about public safety and the treatment of illegal immigrants in the UK.
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Attempted Kidnapping Incident
The young girl was walking home from work around 9:30 PM when Adam, who was hiding near a traffic light, grabbed her from behind. CCTV footage captured him dragging her across the street against her will.
Fortunately, bus passengers saw the attack and intervened immediately, helping the girl escape. Adam then attempted to approach another woman, who also managed to flee. A third woman was nearly pursued, but witnesses tracked Adam and captured footage of the terrifying encounter.
Prompt Action by Witnesses
Thanks to the bravery of those present, Adam was stopped before further harm could occur. The victim’s mother reported the attempted abduction to police that evening, leading to Adam’s arrest the following day.
Detective Constable Anna McCormack of the Criminal Investigation Department praised the public’s quick thinking, describing the incident as “terrible” for the victim, and emphasized that their intervention likely prevented a far worse outcome.
Background on Abdulmawal Ibrahim Adam
Adam entered the UK illegally in September 2023. In November 2023, he pleaded guilty to coming to the UK without valid entry clearance and was sentenced to seven months in jail. After serving his sentence, he was released, though it remains unclear whether any conditions applied to his release or if he was seeking asylum.
Legal Proceedings and Refusal to Cooperate
During court proceedings, Adam refused to participate and sometimes did not leave his jail cell, delaying the process. Judge James Townsend has ordered a pre-sentence report to assess Adam’s background before determining his punishment, scheduled for December 2025.
CPS Statement
Senior Crown Prosecutor Dale Sheehan condemned Adam’s actions, stating that he “preyed on a teenage girl” and reaffirmed that the Crown Prosecution Service is committed to bringing to justice those who commit acts of violence against women and girls.
Home Office Statement
A Home Office spokesperson emphasized the importance of deporting foreign nationals who commit serious crimes in the UK:
“When foreign nationals commit serious crimes in our country, we will always do everything in our power to deport them.”
Conclusion
The attempted kidnapping in Swindon highlights the importance of community vigilance, public intervention, and timely police action. The bravery of the victim and the quick-thinking witnesses undoubtedly prevented a tragic outcome. This case also raises important questions about the treatment of illegal immigrants and how the justice system handles such serious offenses.
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