A twisted attempt to snatch a 17-year-old girl in Swindon has ended with the predator locked up. Abdulmawal Ibrahim Adam, 28, was sentenced to four years and one month behind bars, plus nearly three years on licence, after trying to kidnap the teen as she walked home from work.
Gruesome Grab in Broad Daylight
The shocking attack happened on March 6 in busy Princes Street, right in the heart of Swindon town centre. Adam spotted the girl, kept pestering her, then grabbed and dragged her back when she tried to dash across the road to escape. Bus passengers nearby didn’t hesitate — they jumped off and forced Adam to run for it.
But Adam wasn’t done. He then targeted another woman, following her until she got away, and even tailed a witness from the first assault. Bystanders stepped up once more to stop him. Police arrested him swiftly after the terrifying spree.
Victim’s Bold Words After Ordeal
“I never would have believed this had happened to me and I never fully connected myself to when women say they don’t feel safe to walk at night, but I understand now,” the victim said.
She added: “I hope you learn how to be a good person. Most of all I hope you get locked up because I know if you were out in the world, I wouldn’t feel safe… The world has too many people like you. Although you are one of many, the world gets a little safer with every person locked away.”
Police Crack Down on Violence Against Women
Detective Constable Anna McCormack applauded the brave victim and quick-thinking public. She branded Adam’s actions “completely unacceptable” and praised Project Vigilant, the police initiative hunting down predators through intensive patrols and intelligence gathering.
“This conviction sends a clear message that such offences will not be tolerated in Wiltshire,” said DC McCormack.
Adam initially stonewalled the courts but pleaded guilty last October. Now behind bars, he’s off the streets — making Swindon safer for women and girls.
