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Two due in court charged with historic child abuse offences

News | Rhys Williams | Published: 17:00, Wednesday February 11th, 2026.

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Newport Magistrates' Court
Newport Magistrates’ Court

Two people are due in court following a police investigation into historic child abuse at a former children’s home in Abergavenny .

Lisa Gething, 59, from Monmouthshire, and Simon Bevan, 55, from Caerphilly, will appear at Newport Magistrates’ on Thursday February 12.

The pair have been charged with assault, ill-treatment, abandonment, and neglect of a child, causing unnecessary suffering or injury. Gething has been charged with four counts, and Bevan two counts.

Operation Spinney has been investigating reports made 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, Abergavenny, between the 1970s and 1990s.

The centre at the time was the responsibility of the former Gwent Local Authority and has been closed since 1995.

Two men, aged 66 and 69, were previously charged in June 2025 with 45 offences between them.

Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Tuck, of Gwent Police, said: “Operation Spinney has so far brought more than 50 criminal charges against four people relating to the former children’s home in Abergavenny.

“Our focus remains on securing justice for the 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.”

DCS Tuck continued: “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 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.”

Visit Gwent Police’s website for more information and support agencies available.

Gwent Police chief warns smaller forces could be swallowed up under national reforms


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