Barry Bennell: Ex-football coach admits more sexual offences
- Published
A court sketch of Barry Bennell, who was once described as "the devil incarnate" by a judge
Former football coach and serial paedophile Barry Bennell has pleaded guilty to nine sexual offences.
The 66-year-old former Crewe Alexandra coach and Manchester City scout, also known as Richard Jones, entered the pleas at Chester Crown Court.
He admitted nine offences, including indecent assault, in relation to two complainants between 1979 and 1988.
Bennell is currently serving a 31-year sentence after being convicted of 50 child sexual offences.
The former football talent spotter was described as the "devil incarnate" by a judge after he was convicted in 2018 of abusing 12 boys aged eight to 15 between 1979 and 1991.
Judge Patrick Thompson said he would have to put himself in the position of the previous judge and decide how much extra he could have imposed had he been aware there were two more complainants.
He added: "It is important the two victims have the opportunity to come to court."
Bennell appeared at the court via videolink from from HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire.
Eleanor Laws QC, defending, asked that Bennell not be required to attend court in person for his sentencing, as he was "not very well" and "vulnerable because of his health".
Bennell's 2018 trial at Liverpool Crown Court heard he was a "predatory paedophile" who preyed on young footballers he was supposed to be coaching.
Many later came forward to give evidence against him. Some said they felt they could never recover from the abuse they suffered.
Bennell was previously convicted of of child abuse on three other occasions. He received jail sentences in the UK and in the US in 1995, 1998 and 2015.
The latest hearing was adjourned until 5 October.
- Published19 February 2018
