Former football coach Barry Bennell has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with child sex offences.

Barry Bennell, a former youth football coach who was worked at a number of clubs, including Crewe Alexandra, has been charged with five counts of indecent assault on a boy, two counts of inciting a boy to commit an act of gross indecency and one count of assault with intent to commit buggery.

It is understood that all the alleged offences relate to the same victim, who was under 15 and were alleged to have happened between 1981 and 1985.
The recent allegations of sexual abuse within football have centred on Mr Bennell, who is reported to have been imprisoned three times over 20 years for abusing young boys. The Professional Footballer’s Association has said that six or seven clubs are connected to allegations made including Stoke, Newcastle, Blackpool, Manchester City and Leeds Police forces investigating such allegations are Cheshire, Hampshire, Northumbria, the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester.

The FA and Crewe have commenced their own independent inquiries.

Gary Walker, panel member of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers, has vast experience of representing survivors of abuse in claiming damages. He says, “I hope that the FA and Crewe recognise the importance of their investigations being carried out fully and quickly, and that support and advice is given to those who have been affected. I would hope that all those involved with the investigations recognise the importance that redress through the criminal and civil justice systems can have for survivors.”

If you or someone you know has been affected by issues raised in this article, please contact Gary for advice. Alternatively, call our specialist lawyers, dedicated to helping survivors of abuse, on 0800 044 8488.