September 19th 2023.
Barry Bennell, a former football coach and convicted paedophile, has died in prison. He was serving a 34-year sentence for more than 50 child sex offences. His victims have reacted to the news of his death with a range of emotions.
David Lean, a victim of Bennell's abuse, said he was glad to hear of his death. He said he hoped that Bennell's last 10 years had been as difficult as possible, and expressed his thoughts for both Bennell's children and the many survivors of his abuse.
The Offside Trust, an organization set up by survivors of child sexual abuse in sport, echoed Lean's sentiments, saying that they are thinking of all the brave survivors, both those who have spoken out and those who still cannot. They also urged victims not to suffer in silence.
Bennell was found guilty of more than 50 child sex offences against 12 boys and was sentenced to 30 years in 2018. In 2020, he was given an additional four years for nine more offences against two boys. He had cancer for a number of years and had undergone operations to remove tumours in 2004 and 2016, although he was thought to be in remission in 2020. His cause of death is not yet known.
In court during his 2018 trial, Bennell's victims said he had a 'power hold' over them as they dreamed of becoming professional footballers. He was said to have been treated like 'god' at Manchester City's then-ground Maine Road, where he worked as a scout. He abused the boys at his homes, where he had arcade games and exotic pets, including a puma and monkey, but also on trips away and in his car while on the way to and from training.
The Ministry of Justice has said that the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate the death of Barry Bennell in prison.
Bennell's death has been met with mixed emotions from those affected by his actions. Many are feeling relief that he has been brought to justice, but also sadness for his children and the many survivors of his abuse. The Offside Trust and the Ministry of Justice have both spoken out, urging victims not to suffer in silence and encouraging an investigation into Bennell's death.
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