A heroin addict is facing a substantial prison sentence after committing a parent's worst nightmare - snatching a five-year-old girl from a residential street in broad daylight.
The terrifying incident unfolded in Walsall, West Midlands, when Nicole Gordon, 31, grabbed the young child while she was playing near her home. The court heard how Gordon, described as a prolific drug user, took the girl to a nearby property.
The child's mother experienced every parent's ultimate horror when she realised her daughter was missing. Following the sound of distressed cries, she made the chilling discovery that her little girl was being held in a bedroom of a neighbouring house.
The Dramatic Rescue
In a scene of maternal instinct and bravery, the mother forced her way into the property after hearing her daughter's unmistakable cries coming from upstairs. She found the frightened child in a bedroom with Gordon, who offered the bizarre explanation that she was "looking after" the girl.
Police were immediately called to the scene on Pinfold Avenue, Bloxwich, where they arrested Gordon. The court was told the defendant had 15 previous convictions for 28 offences, including theft and criminal damage.
Shocking Details Emerge in Court
Wolverhampton Crown Court heard that Gordon was under the influence of heroin and crack cocaine at the time of the abduction on September 7th. Defence lawyer Nicholas Burn attempted to explain the inexplicable, stating his client had "no recollection" of the events and had been experiencing "drug-induced psychosis."
Judge Michael Chambers KC expressed the gravity of the offence, stating: "This is an extremely serious matter. The child was taken from the street. It must have been a terrifying experience for her and her mother."
Gordon pleaded guilty to child abduction and has been remanded in custody until her sentencing on October 25th, where she faces a significant prison term for her actions.
