Disturbing allegations of abuse have resurfaced at a former North Wales educational referral unit, where two individuals have received £10,000 payouts from local authority Cyngor Gwynedd. Former pupils describe being subjected to physical mistreatment and humiliation, including being forced to eat dog biscuits from the floor and having tyres stacked on them before staff kicked 'rock-hard' footballs at them.
Rhiannon Evans, now 27, was sent to Canolfan Brynffynnon aged 10 with behavioural issues. She vividly recalls an incident where staff allegedly threw a biscuit on the floor and instructed her to eat it, as well as being drenched in blackcurrant juice solely for entertainment. Levi Lewis, 21, who attended from four years old until its closure in 2014, also recounted eating dog biscuits – a memory that still causes him distress.
Ex-pupils claim more severe forms of discipline occurred, including being locked in dark toilets for extended periods and having their noses flicked until they bled. Evans described her time at the unit as an 'innocent child serving a prison sentence', highlighting the lasting emotional trauma she continues to experience.
Canolfan Brynffynnon closed in 2014 after staff mistreatment allegations emerged, but Cyngor Gwynedd has acknowledged that abuse occurred and apologised. Two former staff members allegedly involved have denied accusations. Katherine Yates, a solicitor representing the pupils, confirmed 21 individuals are pursuing claims related to their experiences at the unit.
The testimonies underscore the profound impact such experiences can have on individuals. Evans reflected on how her difficult childhood may have influenced adult decisions, including a recent conviction for harassment – a mistake she regrets. The revelations raise questions about oversight and safeguarding within educational referral units in Wales.