Owain Evans

Six of nine men arrested in Gwent Police’s Operation Oak investigation have pleaded not guilty to historical allegations of child sexual abuse, rape and related offences dating to the 1980s and 1990s. The defendants appeared at Cardiff Crown Court, were released on conditional bail, and are due to stand trial in January 2028 in proceedings expected to last up to 20 weeks. Three other men were charged but did not enter pleas.

A 14-year-old girl from Blaina was found dead in woodland two days after being reported missing, with an inquest confirming she died from multiple stab wounds. A 14‑year‑old boy has been charged with her murder and remains in custody, with further court hearings scheduled and a trial expected in November. The coroner adjourned the inquest due to the ongoing police investigation, setting a provisional date for next year.

A 14-year-old girl, Lilly Jones, was found dead in Duffryn Park two days after being reported missing from her home in Blaina, Blaenau Gwent. An inquest heard she died from multiple stab wounds to the neck and torso. A 14-year-old boy has been charged with her murder and remains in custody pending further court hearings, with a trial expected in November. The inquest has been adjourned until April next year due to the ongoing police investigation.