Ex-coach Bennell charged with sexual assault

Bennell, who has already served three jail terms for previous child sex offences, has faced a slew of new allegations by at least 20 former footballers spanning three decades beginning in the 1970s when he was working for Crewe Alexandra, Manchester City and Stoke City.

Published : Nov 30, 2016 02:52 IST

Former coach Barry Bennell, who is at the centre of a scandal rocking English football, was on Tuesday charged with eight counts of child abuse, prosecutors said.
Former coach Barry Bennell, who is at the centre of a scandal rocking English football, was on Tuesday charged with eight counts of child abuse, prosecutors said.
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Former coach Barry Bennell, who is at the centre of a scandal rocking English football, was on Tuesday charged with eight counts of child abuse, prosecutors said.

Former football coach Barry Bennell has been charged with eight offences of sexual assault against a boy under the age of 14.

The charges come after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) received a file from Cheshire Police relating to allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse involving 62-year-old Bennell.

In a statement, a CPS spokesperson said: "On 27 September 2016, the Crown Prosecution Service received a file of evidence from Cheshire Police relating to allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse involving a former football coach, Barry Bennell.

"Following a review of the evidence, in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, Mr Bennell, 62, has today been charged with eight offences of sexual assault against a boy under the age of 14.

"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Bennell will now begin and that he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

The charges include five counts of indecent assault on a boy aged under 14, two counts of inciting a boy under 14 to commit an act of gross indecency, and assault with intent to commit buggery.

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