Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Barry Bennell appearing via videolink at Liverpool Crown Court where he has pleaded guilty to seven child sex offences. PA Wire/PA Images
Trial
British ex-coach admits seven child sex crimes
Barry Bennell had worked at fourth-tier League Two side Crewe Alexandra.
FORMER FOOTBALL COACH Barry Bennell has pleaded guilty to seven child sex crimes, a court heard Monday at the start of his trial for dozens of such alleged offences.
The 63-year-old, a former coach at fourth-tier League Two side Crewe Alexandra, entered six guilty pleas when he appeared via videolink at Liverpool Crown Court in northwest England.
Judge Clement Goldstone lifted reporting restrictions on a seventh guilty plea, to a charge of indecent assault, made at an earlier court hearing.
Advertisement
Bennell stands accused of a total of 55 offences, including 42 counts of indecent assault, 11 counts of buggery and two counts of attempted buggery.
The full set of charges relate to 12 complainants and the offences allegedly happened between 1979 and 1991, when the alleged victims were boys aged between eight and 15.
The seven charges Bennell admitted relate to three victims and happened between 1981 and 1991, when the victims were aged between 11 and 14.
A jury was expected to be sworn in later Monday for his trial on the outstanding 48 charges. The case is expected to last eight weeks.
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
British ex-coach admits seven child sex crimes
FORMER FOOTBALL COACH Barry Bennell has pleaded guilty to seven child sex crimes, a court heard Monday at the start of his trial for dozens of such alleged offences.
The 63-year-old, a former coach at fourth-tier League Two side Crewe Alexandra, entered six guilty pleas when he appeared via videolink at Liverpool Crown Court in northwest England.
Judge Clement Goldstone lifted reporting restrictions on a seventh guilty plea, to a charge of indecent assault, made at an earlier court hearing.
Bennell stands accused of a total of 55 offences, including 42 counts of indecent assault, 11 counts of buggery and two counts of attempted buggery.
The full set of charges relate to 12 complainants and the offences allegedly happened between 1979 and 1991, when the alleged victims were boys aged between eight and 15.
The seven charges Bennell admitted relate to three victims and happened between 1981 and 1991, when the victims were aged between 11 and 14.
A jury was expected to be sworn in later Monday for his trial on the outstanding 48 charges. The case is expected to last eight weeks.
Comments have been disabled for legal reasons
– © AFP 2018
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
Kane: Tottenham need to start winning trophies to keep me happy>
Leeds forward slapped with six-match ban for spitting at opponent during FA Cup tie>
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Barry Bennell child sex Clement Goldston crimes ex-coach Crewe Alexandra Trial