Historic Abuse Charges Linked to Former Gwent Children’s Centre
- Charlotte Denley
- Mar 5
- 4 min read
Recent developments in a major police investigation into historic child abuse in Gwent, Wales have once again brought the issue of institutional accountability to the forefront.
On Friday (27th February 2026) two men connected to the former Coed Glas Assessment Centre in Abergavenny – once overseen by the former Gwent local authority – were charged with a further 26 offences on top of the 45 counts they were previously charged with.
While the criminal process is ongoing, this case highlights that it’s never too late to seek justice for the abuse you suffered as a child in the criminal courts but also in the civil courts. While criminal law prosecutes the individual abusers, civil law offers a powerful route for victims to seek justice, redress and recognition for the harm they endured from the institutions that failed in their duty of care.
The investigation so far
Gwent Police’s long-running investigation, Operation Spinney, has resulted in more than 70 charges being brought against former staff members Angus Riddell and Robin Griffiths. These charges include allegations of sexual and physical abuse committed against children between the 1970s and 1990s.
Riddell (69) was charged with 38 offences in June 2025 and he was charged with a further 21 offences on Friday, including:
Two counts of rape of a female under 16
One count of gross indecency with a girl under 14 years of age
14 counts of assault / ill-treat / neglect / abandon a child / young person to cause unnecessary suffering / injury
Robin Griffiths (66) was previously charged with seven offences and he has been charged with a further five, including:
Three counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14 years
Two counts of gross indecency with a boy under the age of 14 years of age
Both are on bail and are due to appear before magistrates in March in relation to the new charges. The two defendants have previously plead not guilty to the initial charges at previous court hearings, and a trial date has been set for January 2027.
Additional charges have also been brought against two former social care professionals for offences related to the ill‑treatment and neglect of children. Lisa Gething (59), who was employed by Caerphilly County Borough Council, was charged with four counts and Simon Bevan (55) was charged with two counts.
The crimes relate to multiple victims who were residents at the centre, which closed in 1995 and was under the responsibility of the former Gwent local authority – now represented by councils including Blaenau Gwent Council.
This case represents one of the most extensive investigations into historic institutional abuse in Wales.
Why civil claims matter even when criminal cases are under way
Many survivors believe they can only seek justice through the criminal courts. But civil claims are entirely separate and serve a different purpose.
Civil claims can:
Claim compensation
For the psychological injury, trauma and long-term consequences caused by abuse.
Hold institutions accountable
Even if individual abusers are prosecuted, the organisations responsible for safeguarding, such as Blaenau Gwent Council, may still be legally liable for failing to protect children in their care.
Give survivors a voice
A civil action places survivors at the centre of the process, ensuring their experiences are formally acknowledged.
Be brought even decades later
The courts understand that survivors of childhood abuse often need time before they feel able to come forward. Many historic abuse cases proceed despite significant time having passed.
Could Blaenau Gwent Council be held responsible?
Because the former Coed Glas Assessment Centre was operated by the local authority, survivors may have grounds to bring a civil claim against Blaenau Gwent Council, alleging failures in:
Safeguarding procedures
Staff supervision and oversight
Recruitment and vetting
Responding to warning signs or complaints
If these failures contributed to harm, the council could be held vicariously liable for the acts of its employees or for systemic negligence.
You are not alone
This investigation shows that many survivors have already come forward and their bravery has helped bring about significant progress.
But we know there are many more survivors who have never spoken about what happened.
If you experienced abuse while under the care of the former Gwent local authority, whether you have spoken to the police or not, you may be able to bring a civil compensation claim. It does not matter how long ago the abuse occurred.
How our specialist abuse law team can help
Andrew Grove & Co Solicitors are experts in representing survivors of institutional abuse. We offer:
Free, confidential advice
Trauma‑informed support throughout the process
No win, no fee arrangement in most cases
A dedicated team experienced in actions against local authorities
We work with sensitivity, compassion and determination – always with your best interests at heart.
Contact us today
If you are ready to explore your legal options or simply want to speak confidentially with an experienced solicitor, please get in touch.
Your courage can be the first step toward justice and healing.
You can speak to Katherine Yates or Sophie Taylor at Andrew Grove & Co Solicitors by calling 01223 367133 or 07810 224545.
Alternatively please email katherine@andrewgroveandco.com or sophie@andrewgroveandco.com
We are listening and we can help.
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