Top soccer scout admits seven sex attacks but denies 48 more
ONE of Britain’s top football talent scouts yesterday admitted seven child sex offences.
Appearing at crown court via videolink, Barry Bennell, 63, admitted seven indecent assaults on three boys aged 11 to 14 between 1981 and 1991.
A trial expected to last eight weeks was due to begin this morning after Bennell denied a further 48 sex attacks on boys aged as young as eight.
Bennell was a well-known figure in British youth football for decades, having discovered some of the UK’s top players.
The former Manchester City talent spotter assaults.
At Liverpool Crown Court, Bennell – now known by the name Richard Jones – also denied allegations of 11 serious sex offences and two attempted serious sex offences.
The alleged sexual attacks on 11 boys aged from eight to 15 at the time of the incidents are said to have occurred between 1979 and 1990.
None of the alleged victims can be named for legal reasons.
Wearing a beige jumper and trousers, Bennell yesterday spoke only denies indecent to confirm his name and enter his pleas before the Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Clement Goldstone.
Bennell will not be sentenced for the seven indecent assaults he has admitted until the end of his trial.
He admitted six of the indecent assaults this week and a seventh on an earlier occasion.
This can only be revealed now after reporting restrictions were lifted.
Today, a jury will be sworn in before prosecutor Nicholas Johnson, QC, opens the case.
Bennell, who will turn tomorrow and be referred to 64 in the trial as Jones, will be represented by experienced barrister Eleanor Laws, QC.
During his career, former Chelsea youth footballer Bennell operated across Britain, scouting players for Manchester City, Stoke City and Leeds United.
He also coached several junior teams across the North of England and Midlands.
He was also employed as a youth team coach by Crewe Alexandra.
Bennell, of Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, was arrested on suspicion of the alleged offences in November 2016.
The case continues.