Barry.. Barry, why?
Victim confronts pervert in court but gets no response
ONE of Barry Bennell’s traumatised victims confronted the paedophile in the dock to ask a question that has been tormenting him up for decades – “why?”.
Gary Cliffe, 47, got within 2ft of the former youth football coach who was hauled into court yesterday and sentenced to 30 years in jail and one on licence for 50 sex attacks on boys.
After telling the judge how the monster ruined his life, Mr Cliffe walked towards the dock and tried to get Bennell to acknowledge him.
Mr Cliffe said “Barry... Barry”, but the pervert did not react.
Finally, his voice pleading for an answer, he added: “Why?”
Bennell, 64, remained unmoved as Mr Cliffe, a detective constable, was led back to his seat in the public gallery, where friends and relatives – tears streaming down their faces – held his hand and hugged him.
Those in court to see justice being done called out “yes” as the sentence was handed down.
The former Crewe Alexandra coach and Manchester City scout must serve at least 15 years in jail for the attacks on 12 young players between 1979 and 1991. The Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Clement Goldstone QC, said Bennell left a “trail of psychological devastation” but has shown no remorse.
He added: “Your behaviour... in grooming and seducing them before subjecting them to, in some cases, the most serious, degrading and humiliating abuse was sheer evil.”
The judge said Bennell had appeared to his victims – who were as young as eight – as a God but “you were the devil incarnate”.
He added: “You stole their childhoods and their innocence.”
Bennell, who has had mouth cancer, has had most of his tongue removed, meaning he has to feed himself via a tube into his stomach. The judge said the abuser “may well die in prison”.
Bennell had pleaded not guilty to all but seven of the charges and still appeared to be in denial yesterday, shaking his head and mouthing the word “no” as the judge outlined the horrific catalogue of crime.
In a sweat shirt, jogging bottoms and trainers, he sat with arms folded for most of the hearing. His eyes were fixed on the floor. Bennell appeared to smile as he was sent down.
Throughout the five-week trial he appeared in court via a video link from prison due to ill health.
But he was taken to the dock to be
sentenced and to hear his victims. Some have had suicidal thoughts, others turned to drugs and alcohol. Mr Cliffe, who waived his right to anonymity, was one of four who went into the witness box at Liverpool crown court to read their victim statements.
He said: “I have had over 30 years to consider what he did to me, yet I still find it hard to put into words the hell and mental suffering I have endured.” Chris Unsworth said: “Bennell abused me, manipulated me, controlled me and destroyed all of my childhood dreams of becoming a professional footballer.” Outside court, Andy Woodward, whose decision to go public about being abused by Bennell led to the trial, said he had mixed emotions. Another victim Steve Walters said: “Bennell is calculated, devious and scheming. He was then and he is now.” Micky Fallon added: “Today we looked evil in the face and we smiled because we have won.”
Victims including Jason Dunford embraced outside court.
Seven members of the jury were in court to see Bennell jailed. Later they hugged those who had been abused.
Det Insp Sarah Oliver, of Cheshire police, who led the investigation, said: “No term of imprisonment can return a childhood taken away but I hope this sentence will serve as a beacon of light to others that have been abused.”
The Professional Footballers’ Association said: “While robust safeguards are now in place in the professional game, this serial abuse serves to remind us all of the responsibilities for safeguarding we all have to protect young people entrusted to our care to ensure this never happens again.”
Bennell, of Milton Keynes, Bucks, was convicted last week. He had three previous spells in jail for abusing boys.
Police are investigating the claims of another 86 alleged victims.
Manchester City and Crewe Alexandra have launched inquiries into Bennell’s time at the clubs.
Subjecting them to the most serious, humiliating abuse was sheer evil THE JUDGE SENTENCING BENNELL YESTERDAY