Dramatic footage has revealed the moment courageous members of the public leapt from a bus to rescue a terrified teenage girl from a kidnap attempt on a Swindon street. The 17-year-old victim was walking home alone after finishing a shift at a local theatre when she was targeted by 28-year-old Abdulmawal Ibrahim Adam.
A Terrifying Ordeal on a Quiet Street
The court heard how Adam, a Sudanese national living in Swindon, followed the young woman and repeatedly tried to engage her in conversation. As she grew increasingly frightened and attempted to flag down passing cars for help, Adam's behaviour escalated aggressively. Shocking video evidence shows him grabbing the 'petrified' teenager and violently dragging her across the road as she fought desperately to break free, her screams piercing the air.
Her cries for help were heard over the sound of traffic, alerting passengers on a nearby bus. Witnesses described seeing a man with his arms locked around the upper body of a young woman, who looked utterly terrified and was screaming continuously. Without hesitation, two men jumped off the bus to intervene, causing Adam to release his grip and flee the scene.
Public Vigilance Leads to Arrest and Conviction
The story of public bravery did not end there. Another woman, who heard the victim shouting "help, help, someone please help," comforted the teenager before turning her attention to pursuing the attacker. She spotted Adam lingering near the local court and, using her initiative, approached him under the pretext of asking for directions to a Chinese takeaway. She secretly recorded him on her mobile phone, providing crucial evidence that later allowed police to identify, arrest, and ultimately convict him.
Abdulmawal Ibrahim Adam pleaded guilty to attempted kidnap at Swindon Crown Court. He was sentenced to four years and one month in prison, with an extended licence period totalling seven years.
Sentencing and Commendations for Courage
In a powerful victim impact statement, the young woman described how the attack shattered her sense of safety. "I remember how I was before this happened," she said. "It was like I wasn't even aware that bad things could happen in the world... I never would have believed this had happened to me." She expressed her fear that Adam would reoffend, stating, "Young girls, women, sisters, best friends, girlfriends, daughters, will be just that little bit safer with you away."
Judge Taylor, during sentencing, commended the strangers who stepped in. "People were sufficiently shocked and alarmed but they intervened," he said. "This would have been even more terrifying than it was if it was not for the willingness of strangers to step in and protect. I commend them." He noted that Adam was smiling after the attack "as if you had done nothing wrong," in stark contrast to the victim's look of "pure fear."
Recognising their exceptional public spirit, Judge Taylor awarded the High Sheriff Award to the woman who filmed Adam and the man who first ran from the bus. Each will receive £500 as a recognition of their courage.
