November 29 – A British former coach has been charged with eight historical offences of sexual assault against a boy under the age of 14 in the latest development in the abuse scandal that has shocked the country.
The charges against Barry Bennell (pictured), 62, who was a talent spotter at Crewe Alexandra and a coach at Manchester City, relate to “non-recent” child sexual abuse, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said, including indecent assault and inciting a boy to commit an act of gross indecency.
The CPS said Bennell, who has served three prison sentences totalling 15 years for multiple offences committed against boys and was recently discharged from hospital after being found unconscious, is scheduled to appear in court on December 14. The offences are alleged to have been committed between 1981 and 1985.
“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,” a statement said. “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 National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has not received more than 200 calls related to abuse by football coaches. Seven police forces across England have reportedly opened at least 20 cases of sexual abuse against minors in football environments.
The FA chairman Greg Clarke told the BBC that this is one of the biggest challenges the English governing body has faced.
Perhaps not as big as the challenges facing those unprotected players who have had their lives changed forever.
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