Victims of Paedophile Barry Bennell Urged to Get Legal Advice

An extended jail sentence given to former football coach and serial paedophile Barry Bennell who is convicted of sexual abuse against 22 boys will provide ‘limited comfort’ to victims, according to a leading Abuse Claims Solicitor who has brought claims on behalf of those affected against Crewe Alexandra F.C.

Facing an additional four years in prison following a fifth conviction for offences that happened between 1979 and 1988, Bennell was sentenced at Chester Crown Court earlier this week having pleaded guilty to a number of offences including buggery, and six counts of indecent assault.

While the extended sentence means he will not leave prison until he is in his 80s, Solicitors who have acted on  behalf of alleged victims to secure compensation for their suffering, have said it doesn’t reflect the ‘true extent’ of his crimes.

Around 100 victims are believed to have come forward with allegations against Bennell, a former Manchester City scout, and a former coach at Manchester City and Stoke City football clubs.

Solicitor Nathalie Swanwick from Simpson Millar’s specialist Abuse Claims team said, “While Bennell has been convicted for the abuse of 22 boys as part of his latest sentence, we know that there are dozens more cases which have been reported.

“While the extended sentence will come as some small comfort to many, it is very difficult for those individuals who have suffered unimaginably to know that he will never be held accountable directly for his actions.”

Bennell is also currently serving a 30-year sentence after being convicted of 52 child sexual offences against 12 boys in 2018. He abused his victims while they were staying with him at his homes in Crewe and Furness Vale, Derbyshire. He also reportedly abused boys who were in the care of children’s home Taxal Edge.

In a statement issued by The Offside Trust, which has been set up by survivors of child sexual abuse in sport, it said that the decision not to bring the dozens of other outstanding cases to Court is a bitter blow to so many men and their families.

Nathalie added, “While a criminal conviction may not be possible, it’s important to note that those who have suffered as a result of his deplorable behaviour can still make a claim for compensation.

“We strongly urge anybody who feels they may have been a victim to get legal advice.”

If you would like to talk to someone in complete confidence, please do not hesitate to call Abuse Solicitor Nathalie Swanwick on 0345 357 9239, or request a call back below and let us see how we can help you.

At Simpson Millar, we’ve been helping abuse victims claim their legal rights for more than 20 years.