Man jailed for 57 'sickening' child sex offences

Gary Bennett, 61, carried out his abuse over a nine-year period

A man has been jailed after committing 57 "sickening" historic child sex offences over a nine-year period.

Gary Bennett, of Stourbridge, sexually abused seven teenage children, six boys and one girl, between 1995 and 2004.

The 61-year-old’s offences included rape, attempted rape, buggery and indecency with a child.

His abuse took place in areas including Stourbridge, Bridgnorth in Shropshire, Kidderminster in Worcestershire, Leominster in Herefordshire, and London.

During a hearing at Worcester Crown Court on 8 May, Bennett was handed a 28-year prison sentence and was added to the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

'Sickening abuse'

West Mercia Police said the abuse was first reported in May 2018, with Insp Julie Taylor describing it as a long and complex case.

“The abuse he put them [the victims] through is absolutely sickening and is something which will affect them for the rest of their lives,” she said.

“I don’t underestimate the immense courage it took for the victims to come forward, and I’d like to commend them on their conduct throughout.

“Despite many delays in court proceedings, they have remained patient, dignified and determined.”