A woman attempted to abduct a baby in a stroller outside an ice cream shop, causing fear and panic. The incident unfolded when Nicolette Goldrick, 51, tried to snatch a seven-month-old baby who was momentarily unattended outside a store while her mother was inside making a purchase. Goldrick released the pram’s brake and started pushing it down the street on May 10. The baby’s mother, alarmed by the situation, shouted and chased after Goldrick, eventually intercepting her further down the street.
Video footage captured the 51-year-old, wearing a mask, pushing the pram away while periodically looking back towards the shop on Central Drive in Blackpool. Goldrick eventually halted and turned the pram around as the mother and another woman rushed out of the shop to reach the baby. The mother then appeared to push Goldrick’s hands away from the pram and exchanged words with her.
After silently leaving the scene, Goldrick was apprehended later that same afternoon upon her return to the vicinity of the shop. During her arrest, she verbally abused the arresting officers and even spat at one of them inside the police van, according to Lancashire Constabulary.
Goldrick admitted to child abduction and assaulting an emergency worker at Preston Crown Court. She received a 12-month prison sentence and a five-year restraining order on Tuesday. In a statement read on behalf of the parents during the sentencing hearing, they described the incident as the worst day of their lives, expressing that it was something they would struggle to overcome.
Tom Snape, Senior Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service North West, condemned Goldrick’s actions, stating that they instilled unimaginable terror and represented every parent’s worst nightmare. He highlighted Goldrick’s lack of remorse, particularly evident in her behavior towards the officers during her arrest. He hoped that the parents of the baby could find solace in knowing that Goldrick faced repercussions for her actions.
Authorities confirmed that the baby was unharmed during the incident near the Coral Island amusements in the town.