‘The 100 victims of Bennell’
New claims as more come forward
UP to 100 more men have come forward claiming they were abused by football coach Barry Bennell.
The paedophile, found guilty yesterday of seven more assaults on talented young players, now faces dying behind bars.
UP to 100 more players have come forward claiming they were abused by Barry Bennell – as he was branded the “Jimmy Savile of football”.
Police are investigating dozens of new allegations against the evil paedophile coach.
The self-confessed “monster” may have committed “thousands” of sex attacks stretching back 40 years, sources said.
The 64-year-old ex-Manchester City scout and Crewe Alexandra youth coach faces dying in jail after he was yesterday found guilty of seven further indecent assaults on young players. Cries of “yes” rang out from the public gallery at Liverpool Crown Court, where victims wept.
On Tuesday, Bennell was convicted of 27 other indecent assaults, seven male rapes and two attempted rapes.
He admitted seven more indecent assaults before the trial began.
Judge, Recorder of Liverpool Clement Goldstone QC adjourned sentencing until Monday so that cancer-sufferer Bennell – who appeared by videolink – can appear in person.
Outside court, victim Andy Woodward said: “Justice has been served today.” Last night it was revealed police are looking into claims by another 86 alleged victims. Former player Gary Cliffe, 47, who was abused by Bennell “hundreds” of times, said his “horrific” ordeal left him “hating” his childhood.
Lawyer Kim Harrison, who represents several victims, compared Bennell to TV paedo Savile. She said: “Serious questions need to be asked about how this dangerous rapist was allowed to carry out years of abuse on so many young boys in plain sight, much as Savile did at the BBC.’’
Manchester City said the club’s abuse review had uncovered allegations against Bennell and a second man, who is dead.