Bennell charged with sexual assault against boy under 14

Former football coach Barry Bennell has been charged with eight offences of sexual assault against a boy under the age of 14.

The charges come after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) received a file from Cheshire Police relating to allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse involving 62-year-old Bennell.

In a statement, a CPS spokesperson said: “On 27 September 2016, the Crown Prosecution Service received a file of evidence from Cheshire Police relating to allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse involving a former football coach, Barry Bennell.

“Following a review of the evidence, in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, Mr Bennell, 62, has today been charged with eight offences of sexual assault against a boy under the age of 14.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Bennell will now begin and that he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

The charges include five counts of indecent assault on a boy aged under 14, two counts of inciting a boy under 14 to commit an act of gross indecency, and assault with intent to commit buggery.

Former football coach Barry Bennell has today been charged with eight offences of sexual assault. Details: https://t.co/6lSTB92U7Z

— CPS (@cpsuk) November 29, 2016