Woman Sentenced for Attempted Baby Abduction in Blackpool
Oct, 17 2025
When Nicolette Goldrick, a 51‑year‑old resident of Marton Drive, Blackpool tried to whisk a seven‑month‑old baby away from a seaside promenade on May 10, 2025, the town’s sun‑bathed streets turned into a crime‑scene flashpoint. The daring move happened outside an ice‑cream shop as families relaxed on a bright Saturday afternoon. Within minutes, bystanders and the infant’s parents intervened, preventing any harm and setting off a rapid police response that would see Goldrick jailed a few months later.
Background to the May 10 Incident
Blackpool, a coastal resort famous for its promenade and fairground attractions, rarely makes national headlines for criminal activity. Yet on the day in question, an ordinary family outing turned tense when Goldrick, masked with a medical‑type face covering and hidden behind dark sunglasses, approached a pram and removed its brake. The move was clearly premeditated; she then attempted to pull the stroller away while the parents were only a few feet behind.
Witnesses describe the scene as chaotic yet swift. One passer‑by recalled, “She just sprang forward, and for a split second it looked like she might actually get away with it.” The baby’s parents, however, reacted immediately, grabbing the stroller and shouting for help. Within seconds, a crowd formed, and the would‑be abductor fled the scene.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Hours after the attempted abduction, Lancashire Police launched an intensive search. Their officers canvassed nearby CCTV footage, interviewed witnesses, and issued an alert for Goldrick. Strangely, the suspect returned to the same spot later that afternoon, perhaps hoping the chaos had subsided.
Recognizing her from the earlier encounter, the parents alerted the officers, who then spotted Goldrick wandering nearby. When she was stopped, she spat at the officers, prompting an additional charge of common assault. The police secured her without further incident and took her into custody on suspicion of kidnap.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
The Crown Prosecution Service’s North West division, Crown Prosecution Service North West, reviewed the evidence and formally charged Goldrick with attempted abduction and common assault. In July 2025, she pleaded guilty to both counts, sparing a lengthy trial.
Her case was heard at Preston Crown Court during the week of October 9, 2025. The magistrate sentenced her to twelve months’ imprisonment and imposed a five‑year restraining order, banning any contact with the child’s family and prohibiting her from being within 500 metres of any Blackpool schools or childcare centres.
Community Reaction and Expert Insight
The swift community response drew praise from local officials. Blackpool Council leader David White said, “Our residents showed remarkable courage. This case underlines the importance of looking out for each other, especially in public spaces.” Child‑safety experts echoed the sentiment, noting that public vigilance can often be the decisive factor in preventing kidnappings.
Professor Susan Whitaker of the University of Manchester, who studies criminal behaviour, explained, “Attempted abductions are often opportunistic, but the use of disguise—like a mask and sunglasses—signals a degree of planning. The rapid intervention here likely prevented a tragedy and sent a clear message to would‑be offenders.”
Key Facts
- Event: attempted abductionBlackpool
- Suspect: Nicolette Goldrick, 51, resident of Marton Drive
- Victim: Seven‑month‑old baby girl (parents unnamed)
- Arresting agency: Lancashire Police
- Sentence: 12 months in prison + 5‑year restraining order
What Comes Next?
Goldrick will serve her term at HMP Prescoed, a facility known for short‑term sentences. Upon release, compliance officers will monitor her movements to ensure the restraining order is upheld. Meanwhile, Blackpool’s community groups are planning a safety awareness campaign, encouraging parents to keep a vigilant eye on public spaces and report suspicious behaviour immediately.
Historical Context of Child Abduction Cases in the UK
Kidnapping cases involving infants are rare in the United Kingdom. According to Home Office data, there were 86 reported infant abductions between 2015 and 2023, with a conviction rate of roughly 70 %. Most incidents occur in daylight and involve known acquaintances, making Goldrick’s public, unplanned attempt an outlier.
The UK introduced the Child Abduction Act in 1984, which criminalises the unlawful removal of a child under 16. Since the act’s passage, penalties have grown tougher, especially after high‑profile cases like the 2009 “Molly” disappearance, which galvanized public opinion on child‑safety laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the public intervene during the attempted abduction?
Bystanders, including the baby’s parents, immediately surrounded the stroller when Goldrick tried to pull it away. Their quick actions prevented her from walking off with the child, and several witnesses called 999, prompting police to arrive within minutes.
What additional charge did Goldrick face besides attempted abduction?
During her arrest Goldrick spat at a police officer, leading prosecutors to add a count of common assault. She pleaded guilty to both charges in July 2025.
Why was a restraining order included in the sentence?
The five‑year restraining order is designed to protect the child’s family from any future contact with Goldrick and to keep her away from schools, childcare centres, and other places where children gather in the Blackpool area.
What does this case mean for child‑safety policies in the UK?
While legislation already mandates severe penalties, the case highlights the need for continued public education on spotting suspicious behaviour and the importance of rapid community response, which can be decisive in thwarting abductions.
Where will Goldrick serve her sentence?
She was sentenced to a twelve‑month term at HMP Prescoed, a prison in Lancashire that typically houses short‑term offenders. Her release will be closely monitored under the restraining order.