Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Ex-coach on nine child sex abuse claims
Royals & celebs in mental health push
FORMER Crewe Alexandra coach Barry Bennell has been charged with nine child sex offences.
The ex-man City scout, 66, appeared in court via videolink under the name Richard Jones yesterday and was wearing a purple T-shirt and glasses.
Warrington magistrates heard the allegations involve two boys under 16.
Bennell, who appeared from HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire, is charged with a serious sexual assault and six indecent assaults against one child.
He is also charged with two serious sexual assaults against the second boy.
The offences are said to have been committed between 1979 and 1988.
Bennell was remanded until a June 15 appearance at Chester crown court.
THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have called on people to help each other with their mental health during the pandemic.
In a historic 60-second broadcast, William and Kate urged those having difficulty to talk about it.
The royals – joined by a host of stars – also called on the nation to reach out to someone if they seem to be struggling.
The segment, Mental Health Minute, was broadcast simultaneously on every radio station in Britain yesterday, uniting all commercial, community and BBC stations for the first time ever.
William, 37, said: “We’re all connected, and sometimes just talking about how you’re feeling can make a big difference.
“So right now, let’s join together across the UK and reach out to someone.” Kate, 38, said: “If you’re struggling, it’s important to talk about it.
“If someone you know is acting differently, it’s OK to ask how they are. Use this moment to send a message.”
World heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, 30, and England football captain Harry Kane, 26, were among those who joined the royals to kick off Mental Health Awareness Week.
On the short film accompanying the broadcast, pop star Dua Lipa, 24, said: “We’re living through a time which is taking its toll on everyone in different ways.
“We can all feel scared, alone and confused.” While actor David Tennant, 49, said: “Right now, we all need each other more than ever. And in the weeks and months ahead of us, we will all have an important role to play in being there for one another.”
The Mental Health Minute was produced alongside the royals’ long-running mental health initiative Heads Together, which yesterday also launched a series of wellbeing guides on Instagram. Mental Health Awareness Week has been hosted by the Mental Health Foundation for the past 20 years and this year will celebrate the acts of kindness that boost mental health. Jason Knauf, chief executive of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, said: “As we feel the effects of Covid-19 on the nation’s mental health, we will need to support one another more than ever.
“We will all need to feel more confident in reaching out for support if we need it and checking in on loved ones.
“By bringing together the power of radio and social media, we’re delighted to help people connect to one another, and to access reliable information and resources from our charity partners.
“These remarkable projects from Radiocentre and Instagram show that, despite being apart, no one needs to face these challenges alone.”
For more about Heads Together visit www.headstogether.org.uk.