‘I had to speak out to take his power away’
Staffordshire Police detective Gary Cliffe is speaking out about how he was abused as a young footballer in a TV documentary tonight...
STAFFORDSHIRE police officer Gary Cliffe has spoken out about the abuse he suffered at the hands of paedophile football coach Barry Bennell.
The detective constable helped contribute to the Sheldon review, a major examination of historical sexual abuse in football that was published on Wednesday.
Led by Clive Sheldon QC, it found some clubs knew and did nothing about child sex abuse in the sport. There were even some failings after the turn of the millennium.
Gary, who works as a detective in Hanley, will talk about the abuse and his work with the Sheldon review on a documentary called ‘Football’s Darkest Secrets’ to be aired tonight (BBC1, 9pm).
He will explain how his dreams were shattered by former coach Bennell who was jailed for 31 years for 50 counts of child abuse against 12 boys aged eight to 15 between 1979 and 1991.
Described by a top judge as the ‘devil incarnate’ Bennell was sentenced to a further four years behind bars last year.
Gary said: “I was terrified, but knew I had to do it. It was about taking his power away.
“He was in court when I read my victim statement. He had to listen and I felt empowered. It was great to see him sent down by the judge for what he’d done.”
A former Manchester City youth player, Gary had dreamed of playing at Maine Road in front of a packed stadium.
But now – having waived his right to anonymity – he works with the Offside Trust helping abuse victims in sport. Gary says an ‘avalanche’ of former players have since come forward.
He added: “I’m supporting this as much as I can. I know not everyone is able to speak out, but it’s about empowering those lads and getting them to come forward.”
Gary has praised his police colleagues for supporting him.
Deputy Chief Constable Emma Barnett, said: “Gary has channelled so much of this determination and desire to help others into his work and I hope his actions give confidence to others who may have doubts to come forward and seek justice.
“I’m also glad his colleagues in CID and across the force have been able to offer him the support and also the recognition he deserves for sharing his experiences and the important work he does to support victims.”