British former football coach Barry Bennell was charged on Tuesday with eight historical offences of sexual assault against a boy under the age of 14.
ADVERTISEMENTBritish former football coach Barry Bennell was charged on Tuesday with eight historical offences of sexual assault against a boy under the age of 14.
The state prosecution service said the charges against the 62-year-old, who was a talent spotter at Crewe Alexandra and a coach at Manchester City, relate to “non-recent” child sexual abuse.
Bennell, who was given a four-year sentence for raping a British boy on a football tour of Florida in 1994 and a nine-year sentence in 1998 for 23 offences against six boys in England, is due to appear at South Cheshire magistrates court on 14 December.
“I think institutionally all organisatons used to protect themselves by keeping quiet and closing ranks,” said FA chairman Greg Clarke. “That is completely inappropriate and unacceptable today, which is why we have had an independent- led enquiry.”
Former Crewe player Andy Woodward was the first to speak out about the abuse he said he suffered at the hands of Bennell.
The Football Association has begun a wider independent review into historical child sexual abuse in the sport after more than 20 former players came forward with allegations against several coaches.
Andy Woodward showed great courage – but is his story just the tip of the iceberg? |
DTguardian</a> <a href="https://t.co/W3zmpoIxTX">https://t.co/W3zmpoIxTX</a></p>— Guardian sport (guardian_sport) November 19, 2016