Former football coach jailed for indecent assault

Barry Bennell aka Richard Jones, from Milton Keynes, received a two year custodial sentence when he appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 8 May.

The 61-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting a boy under the age of 14 years and inciting a boy under the age of 14 years to commit an act of gross indecency at an earlier hearing.

The incidents took place over a two night period at Bennell’s home in April 1980.

The victim – a 12-year-old boy at the time – had travelled to Macclesfield from his home in Lancashire to attend a soccer skills course.

Bennell – who was 26 at the time – was helping to run the course.  He had invited the victim to attend after befriending him and his family at a holiday camp in Wales the year before.

The victim was keen to improve his footballing skills and had been excited at the prospect of taking part.

Bennell had offered to let the boy stay over at his home for two nights rather than him having to travel back and forth each day.

Once the course had finished for the day Bennell returned to his home with the boy.  It was there that he indecently assaulted the youngster on two occasions.

The victim did not disclose what happened at the time.  It was in 2013 that he decided to come forward and report it when he attended Macclesfield Police Station.

Following an investigation into the incident Bennell was subsequently summonsed to court for the offences.

DC Alison Greenwood, who led the investigation, said:  “Bennell befriended a young boy and his family with the promise of helping to improve his footballing skills.  He had clearly made a big impression on them all and the young boy was excited at the prospect of being able to attend the football skills course alongside Bennell.

“Little did he know that the man he looked up to and admired so much would take advantage of him, abuse his position of trust and treat him in the way he did.

“The victim was too scared to tell anyone what had happened and has had to live with what happened to him for many years.  He has found it difficult to come forward and it was only in recent times that he felt the courage to speak out and report what happened to him.

“He has shown great courage in coming to court to give evidence and relive what happened to him and I hope that the conclusion of this case today will help to bring some closure for him – and help him to rebuild his life.”

DC Greenwood added:  “I hope this case encourages other victims of non-recent sexual assault to come forward and report what happened to them – no matter how long ago the incident took place.  A sexual offence is a devastating crime and has a long-lasting impact on the victim.

“Cheshire Police is committed to tackling this type of crime and will do all it can to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice – and that the appropriate advice and support are available for all victims.

“Anyone who has been a victim of this type of crime, who may need support or has information can contact Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”