Who Are the Two New Suspects Charged with Child Abuse at the Children's Centre?

Two additional individuals have been charged in connection with child abuse allegations at a former children's centre in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. Lisa Gething and Simon Bevan face multiple charges, stemming from a long-running investigation into historical abuse claims at the Coed Glas Assessment Centre. This article outlines the current situation and its implications for the community.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Lisa Gething, 59, and Simon Bevan, 55, have been charged with ill-treatment of a child, with both due to appear at Newport Magistrates' Court on Thursday. This follows a lengthy investigation by Gwent Police into allegations of sexual and physical abuse at the Coed Glas Assessment Centre, which operated from the 1970s until its closure in 1995. These recent charges add to the ongoing scrutiny and legal proceedings surrounding the centre, where over 50 criminal charges have been filed against four individuals as part of Operation Spinney.

Key takeaways

• Two new charges have been made against Lisa Gething and Simon Bevan.
• Gething is a social worker employed by Caerphilly County Borough Council.
• Operation Spinney has resulted in over 50 charges relating to past abuse at the centre.

Timeline: how we got here

The investigation into allegations of abuse at Coed Glas Assessment Centre spans several decades. Below is a brief timeline of key events leading to the current charges:

• 1970s-1990s: Coed Glas Assessment Centre operates, during which time multiple allegations of abuse are reported.
• 1995: The centre is closed.
• June 2025: Two men aged 66 and 69 are charged with 45 offences relating to the centre.
• October 2023: Lisa Gething and Simon Bevan are charged with ill-treatment of a child.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent charges against Gething and Bevan mark a significant development in an ongoing investigation, highlighting the persistence of law enforcement in pursuing justice for victims of historical abuse.

What was already established

Previously, two other individuals had been charged in June 2025, indicating that the investigation into Coed Glas was part of a broader effort to address systemic issues of abuse in children's care facilities.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing investigations and subsequent legal actions may impact public trust in children's services and local authorities. The revelations surrounding Coed Glas could prompt increased scrutiny of current practices in child welfare and safeguarding across the UK.

Businesses and jobs

For local authorities like Caerphilly County Borough Council, these developments could lead to reassessments of child protection policies and training programmes for social workers and other professionals working with vulnerable children.

Policy and regulation

The case may instigate discussions about regulatory reforms in child care services, particularly concerning oversight and accountability measures to prevent such historical abuses from recurring in the future.

Numbers that matter

• 50+ criminal charges filed against four individuals related to the Coed Glas Assessment Centre under Operation Spinney.
• 2 new charges against Lisa Gething and Simon Bevan.
• 45 charges filed against two other men in June 2025.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Operation Spinney: A police investigation focused on historical abuse allegations at Coed Glas Assessment Centre.
• Ill-treatment: Criminal behaviour that causes unnecessary suffering or injury to a child.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the court appearances for Gething and Bevan approach, further details may emerge that could impact ongoing investigations and public awareness of child safeguarding issues.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Further developments in the ongoing trials, including the upcoming trial in 2027 for the two men charged in June 2025, will likely bring more attention to the systemic issues surrounding child welfare in the UK.

Signals to watch

• Updates on court proceedings and outcomes for Gething and Bevan.
• Public statements from Gwent Police regarding the investigation's progress.
• Potential policy changes or announcements from local authorities regarding child safeguarding measures.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about the case and respect the judicial process.
• Engage with local authorities about child safeguarding initiatives.
• Support charities and organisations working to prevent child abuse.

Don’t

• Speculate on the case or share unverified information online.
• Dismiss the experiences of victims who come forward.

Checklist

• Understand the basic facts of the case.
• Follow reliable sources for updates on the court proceedings.
• Consider how local policies affect child safeguarding in your area.
• Reflect on the importance of supporting child welfare organisations.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the investigation is ongoing, there are numerous uncertainties surrounding the case. The legal proceedings may bring new revelations, and the outcomes of the trials could influence public policy regarding child welfare. It's essential to approach discussions about the case with sensitivity and awareness of the victims involved.

Bottom line

The recent charges against Lisa Gething and Simon Bevan represent a critical step in the pursuit of justice for victims of historical abuse at Coed Glas Assessment Centre. The ongoing investigation underscores the importance of accountability in child welfare services and invites reflection on necessary reforms to protect vulnerable children in the future.

FAQs

What are the charges against Lisa Gething and Simon Bevan?

Lisa Gething and Simon Bevan face charges of ill-treatment of a child, with Gething charged with four counts and Bevan with two. These charges stem from allegations of historical abuse at a former children's centre.

What is Operation Spinney?

Operation Spinney is a police investigation into historical abuse allegations at Coed Glas Assessment Centre, leading to multiple criminal charges against several individuals involved in the case.

When is the court date for Gething and Bevan?

Both Lisa Gething and Simon Bevan are due to appear at Newport Magistrates' Court on Thursday, where further proceedings will take place regarding the charges against them.