Caerphilly Observer
Member Sign in Manage Membership
Become a Member - no ads
Menu
  • News
    • Senedd
    • Business
    • Newport
    • Opinion
  • Sport
    • Rugby union
    • Football
  • Membership & Subscriptions
  • Notices
  • Obituaries
  • About
    • Advertise
  • Sponsored Content
Menu

Two due in court charged with historic child abuse offences

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

Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

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


Sign-up to our daily newsletter


Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts.

Become a member today

Latest News

  • Bargoed Spring Fair was held on March 21
    Bargoed Spring Fair brings 2,250 visitors to townWednesday, April 1, 2026
  • Pupils from Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni's Gellihaf campus celebrating their win in the Year 7 Boys category
    Pupils compete at school football competitionWednesday, April 1, 2026
  • General view of a lorry travelling through Wattsville
    Villagers bemoan ‘Wild West’ road issues and relentless lorry trafficWednesday, April 1, 2026
  • A pothole in Caerphilly
    Extra £2.6 million funding to fix Caerphilly County Borough’s potholesWednesday, April 1, 2026
  • 1st Senghenydd Scouts visited the National Space Centre
    Interstellar experience for scouts at National Space CentreWednesday, April 1, 2026
  • Children will be expected to cross this roundabout, at the junction of Angel Way and the A469, when walking from Aberbargoed to Heolddu Comprehensive School
    Critics of school transport cuts warn of ‘unacceptable burden’ on childrenTuesday, March 31, 2026

Find out how the communities of Caerphilly County Borough get their names

Caerphilly

Legal & Public Notices

  • Notice of application for a variation of a premises licence: Ffos CaerffiliMonday, March 30, 2026
  • Notice of application for a premises licence: Machen Cricket ClubMonday, March 30, 2026
  • Notice of application for a premises licence: Oakdale Welfare Bowling ClubMonday, March 30, 2026
  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesThursday, March 19, 2026
© 2009-2026 Caerphilly Media Ltd, Caerphilly Miners Centre for the Community Watford Road Caerphilly, CF83 1BJ. Incorporated in Wales No. 07604006.