Two men have been charged by Gwent Police with a total of 45 offenses related to historical child sexual exploitation. These alleged crimes involve 16 victims and are said to have taken place at a former children’s centre in Wales.
Details of The Alleged Offenses
The alleged sexual and physical offences occurred between the 1970s and 1990s at the Coed Glas Assessment Centre in Abergavenny.
Angus Riddell, 69, of Cwmbach, Rhondda Cynon Taf, has been charged with 38 offences, including:
- three counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 16
- one count of attempted indecent assault on a girl under the age of 16.
- 14 counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14
- 20 counts of assault, ill-treatment, neglect, abandoning a child, or causing a young person unnecessary suffering or injury.
Robin Griffiths, 65, from Ebbw Vale in Blaenau Gwent, has also been charged with seven counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14.
The Verdict and Sentecing
Both men were arrested on Friday, June 20, and have since been granted bail.
They are scheduled to appear before Newport Magistrates’ Court on July 3.
These arrests are a result of Operation Spinney, an ongoing investigation into reports of sexual and physical abuse at the former Coed Glas Assessment Centre.
The centre, which closed in 1995, was previously managed by the former Gwent County Council.
Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Tuck of Gwent Police:
Gwent Police’s Detective Chief Superintendent, Andrew Tuck commented on the charges, stating that a team of detectives has been collaborating closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and local authorities.
This partnership has been part of a long-term investigation into historical allegations of sexual offenses at the former children’s home in Abergavenny, leading to two men being charged with multiple sexual offenses against children.
Tuck affirmed the police’s commitment to achieving justice for the victims in this case and emphasized the ongoing support provided to them alongside specialist agencies.
“We would ask for people to respect the judicial process and avoid online speculation on this case. This is to ensure the integrity of the investigation and court proceedings.
“We take all reports of child exploitation 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.”
Chief Crown Prosecutor of the Crown Prosecution Service:
Hannah von Dadelszen, Chief Crown Prosecutor of the Crown Prosecution Service, confirmed that Gwent Police submitted a comprehensive evidence file, leading the CPS to authorize charges against two defendants for multiple child sexual offenses.
This decision came from the Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, a team of specialized prosecutors dedicated to handling such complex and sensitive cases.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against these defendants are now active and that they have a right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
For more information and support agencies available, please visit Advice about child abuse | Gwent Police.
NHS 111 offers 24/7, free emergency mental health care for non-life-threatening emergencies. Select option 2 from the 24/7 helpline, available from mobile or landlines, even with no credit left. More information can be found here – Mental Health Crisis – Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.
Frequently asked questions:
The experts in abuse claims
Schools should be safe, happy, places where children and young people can learn and develop and form positive friendships and relationships.
As children, we spend a huge amount of time in education and when we have negative experiences at school this can have devastating effects that stay with us into adulthood.
Unfortunately, abuse in schools is not uncommon and is not something that only happened years ago. While the general public have increased awareness about abuse and those employed in schools are subject to more vigorous safeguarding checks than they were in the past, abuse still happens.
There are also many people who have still not come forward to report abuse that happened to them at school, college or even university.
Who will I bring the claim against?
Usually, where you have suffered abuse in an educational setting, the claim will be brought against the organisation who owns or runs the school or college. Often this will be the local authority.
Some schools may be privately owned. Universities in England and Wales are not publicly owned, and the claim will normally be brought against Trustees of the university.
The abuse happened many years ago and I do not know if my old school even exists anymore.
Most claims for abuse in education are actually brought many years after the abuse occurred. It is part of our job to investigate the school and establish whether it still exists.
Sometimes educational establishments change their name, have a change of ownership, or move to a different address.
It may be that the school closed many years ago and the building has been demolished, but this does not necessarily mean that you cannot claim.
Our solicitors are experienced in investigating historic abuse claims. We will undertake thorough enquiries to work out who the claim should be brought against and to obtain the information we need to pursue the case.
How can I make a claim?
This area of the law is highly specialised, and it is important to have a solicitor who has experience pursuing claims for compensation for sexual and physical abuse and assault.
Whilst these claims are personal injury claims, there are many aspects that differ from general personal injury claims.
Oakwood Solicitors has lawyers who between them have over 20 years of experience in recovering compensation for survivors of abuse.
You can contact us for a free no-obligation chat. We will advise you whether you are eligible to make a claim and the level of damages.
If you decide to pursue the claim, we will do all the work for you, keeping you informed at every stage.
How much compensation will I receive?
Each claim is different. We will assess your claim and give you an idea at the outset of the compensation you can expect to receive.
A civil claim for sexual or physical abuse can include the following types of compensation:
- General damages: An award of money for the abuse/assaults themselves and for the pain, suffering and any psychological effects.
- Special damages: An award for any specific financial losses we can prove, such as loss of earnings or the costs of any treatment or counselling.
- Aggravated damages: An additional award of money in certain cases where the court considers that there has been additional distress caused by the manner in which the abuse occurred.
Further information:
Heddlu Gwent Police: Two charged in investigation into child sexual exploitation at former children’s centre.
Oakwood Solicitors: Abuse in schools and Education.
Oakwood Solicitors: Historic Abuse Claims.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you or a loved one has been personally impacted by this case, get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation.
Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page or call us on 0113 323 2385 to find out how we can help you.
Molly Frost joined the Firm in June 2024 and specializes in abuse compensation claims. Having over 20 years’ experience helping survivors recover compensation, she is considered an expert in her fie…
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