A mum has told a court of the terrifying moment a stranger tried to kidnap her baby. She said: "I couldn't believe what was happening under my nose, in front of my eyes and all I could think about was getting my baby back from her."
The attempted kidnapping happened on May 10 this year as the seven-month-old girl was in her pram in Blackpool, with her parents nearby. To their horror, Nicolette Goldrick boldly approached the pram wearing sunglasses and a medical-type face mask, released the brake, and tried to walk away.
The baby's parents and bystanders intervened, and Lancashire Police reported "thankfully the baby did not come to any harm". Goldrick left the scene, and the incident was reported to the police.
The 51-year-old returned to the scene hours later while investigations to find her were ongoing, and quickly fled again when the baby's parents recognised her. She was located following enquiries and arrested on suspicion of kidnap, reports the Manchester Evening News.
It was then that she spat at police officers and was further arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.
Goldrick, of Marton Drive, Blackpool, was charged with attempted abduction and common assault. She pleaded guilty in July and was sentenced to 12 months in prison and handed a five year restraining order at Preston Crown Court this week.
In a victim personal statement, the baby's mum said: "When it was happening, I was in shock. I couldn't believe what was happening under my nose, in front of my eyes and all I could think about was getting my baby back from her. Are people right when they say that I should have beat her to a pulp? Believe me, until you are in that situation you will never know.
"Then she returned hours later for another go. My heart was in my mouth. I wanted to react, but I knew that waiting for the police was the right thing to do.
"I suffered a lot of abuse on social media as people didn't know the truth which only added more to my upset and hurt."
Speaking of the effect the incident has had on their family, she said: "This thing has ruined our lives in an unspeakable way. She's ruined our daughter's life because my daughter will suffer in later life due to restrictions that I now place on her to protect her because we have been traumatised by what's happened.
"Nicolette Goldrick is not only a danger to the public in general but a serious danger to children generally."
DC Ian Peachy, of Blackpool CID said: "Nicolette Goldrick saw an innocent baby sat in her pram that day and brazenly walked up and tried to take her from her parents, in what must have been a terrifying moment for them. They have shown real strength throughout the proceedings, and you will have heard in the baby's mum's victim personal statement how much of an effect this has had on their lives.
"She then left the scene, and attempted to evade our officers, before spitting in their face upon arrest. This type of behaviour will not be tolerated in our county. It's not for me to comment on the sentence passed, but I do hope that the baby's family can now begin to move forward in their lives knowing Goldrick has been brought to justice."