Over 70 charges for Child Abuse in former Coed Glas Assessment Centre

The investigation into Coed Glas Assessment Centre in Monmouthshire, Wales is still ongoing, with two new individuals being charged and a further 26 charges against Angus Riddell and Robin Griffiths. The men are now facing over 70 charges between them.

The Children’s Centre served as a temporary placement for vulnerable children under the responsibility of the former Gwent Local Authority, operating from the 1970s until it’s closure in 1995. Operation Spinney, Gwent Police, has been investigating reports by a number of men and women of sexual and physical abuse committed against them as children predominantly at the former Coed Glas Assessment Centre between the 1970s and 1990s.

Angus Riddell, 69, was arrested on the 24th of February and charged with a further 21 offences, having previously been charged with 38 offences in June 2025. The new charges are for two counts of rape of a female under 16 years of age, one count of gross indecency with a girl under 14 years of age, three counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16 years of age, one count of indecent assault on a boy under 14, and 14 counts of assault/ill-treatment/neglect/abandoning a child or young person to cause unnecessary suffering/injury.

Robin Griffiths, 66, was arrested on the 23rd of February and charged with a further 5 offences, having previously been charged with 7 offences in June 2025. The new chargers are for three counts of indecent assault on a boy under 14 years of age, and two counts of gross indecency with a boy under 14 years of age. 

The pair previously pleaded not guilty to the initial charges in June 2025 at previous court hearings, and a trial date of January 2027 has been set. They are both currently on bail and due to appear before magistrates in March in relation to new charges.

Lisa Genthin, 59, a council social worker employed by Caerphilly County Borough Council has also been charged in relation to Coed Glas Assessment Centre with four counts of assault/ill-treatment/neglect/abandoning a child or young person to cause unnecessary suffering/injury.

Simon Bevan, 55, has also been charged with two counts of assault/ill-treatment/neglect/abandoning a child or young person to cause unnecessary suffering/injury in relation the Children’s Centre. 

Speaking about the investigation Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Tuck of Gwent Police said: “Our focus remains on supporting victims in this investigation and supporting them alongside specialist agencies.

“We continue to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and local authorities as part of this long-running investigation.

“We take all reports of child abuse seriously and would urge anyone who has suffered abuse or has concerns about someone who may be suffering to come forward and speak to the police.

“We will listen to you and investigate all offences and also ensure you have access to any help or support you need.”

Jordans Solicitors – helping victims of sexual abuse claim compensation.

If you have been a victim of physical and/or sexual abuse and would like to speak to one of our Specialist Abuse Lawyers in confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We have the knowledge and experience to advise you on the available options for pursuing a Criminal Injuries Compensation Claim and/or civil damages claim.

Our Sexual Abuse Compensation Team can be contacted by telephoning 08009555094 or 03303001103.