Accused face 45 charges between them following police investigation
TWO men have denied a series of serious child sex offences said to have taken place at a former children’s home in Abergavenny.
Angus Riddell, 69, from Rhondda Cynon Taf, and Robin Griffiths, 65, originally from Blaenau Gwent but now living in Devon, appeared before Newport Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (July 3).
The men are accused of a total of 45 offences between them, linked to their time working at the former Coed Glas Assessment Centre. The home, which was operated by the former Gwent County Council, has been closed since 1995.
Sixteen alleged victims
Gwent Police launched a detailed investigation following multiple allegations of sexual and physical abuse at the centre. The charges relate to incidents said to have taken place between the 1970s and 1990s and involve 16 alleged victims.
Riddell is facing 38 charges, including:
- Three counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16,
- One attempted indecent assault on a girl under 16,
- Fourteen counts of indecent assault on a boy under 14,
- And twenty further counts involving cruelty or neglect of children.
Griffiths is accused of seven counts of indecent assault on a boy under 14.
Case moves to Crown Court
During the brief hearing, both men confirmed their names, ages, and addresses, and pleaded not guilty to all charges. They were released on bail and are due to appear at Cardiff Crown Court on 1 August.
Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Tuck of Gwent Police has urged the public not to speculate about the case online, stressing the importance of allowing the judicial process to take its course.
Background
The Coed Glas Assessment Centre, once used to house children in care, was operational under Gwent County Council before its closure in the mid-1990s. Allegations concerning its operation have surfaced in recent years, prompting renewed scrutiny of historic abuse in institutional settings.
