Woman Jailed for Daring Baby Snatch Attempt in Broad Daylight
Nicolette Goldrick, 51, has been locked up for 12 months after trying to snatch a baby from its pram last May. CCTV footage captured the shocking moment outside a shop on Central Drive near Coral Island, as the baby’s mum was distracted signing for a delivery.
Goldrick sneaked up to the pram, grabbed it, and began wheeling the baby away. Luckily, a sharp-eyed shop worker raised the alarm, prompting the mum to give chase, shouting, “What are you doing?” Goldrick ignored the shout and calmly walked off but was later identified by the baby’s father and arrested when she returned.
Mental Health Struggles and Violent Past Uncovered
At Preston Crown Court, it emerged Goldrick has bipolar disorder and had recently been sectioned. During her arrest, she spat at a police officer, reeking of alcohol and slurring her words.
Her violent history didn’t stop there. She also faced charges of affray and possession of a bladed weapon after threatening a bakery customer with a knife whilst shouting “a life for a life.”
Baby’s Mum Describes Ongoing Trauma
The baby’s mother called the terrifying episode “the worst day of our life.” She branded the attempted abduction “terrifying” and revealed their family now uses a harness and tracker on the pram for peace of mind. The ordeal left them haunted by anxiety and wary of strangers.
The court also heard that Goldrick was previously seen pushing a doll in a pram, treating it like her own child and even asking neighbours to babysit.
Judge Hands Down Tough Sentence Despite Mental Health
Judge Daniel Prowse acknowledged Goldrick’s mental health issues but ruled they couldn’t “fully excuse her actions.” He reminded the court that having a child taken by a stranger was “every parent’s nightmare.”
Goldrick was slapped with a five-year restraining order banning her from the shop where the shocking incident unfolded.
Tom Snape, Senior Crown Prosecutor, said: “Goldrick’s brazen actions caused unimaginable terror.”
