Former Manchester City Talent Scout Charged With 9 Sexual Offenses

Barry Bennel (Twitter @vicderbyshire)

JAKARTA - Former soccer coach Barry Bennell has been charged with nine sexual offenses.

Bennell, who is being held at HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire, appears via videolink at the Warrington Magistrates trial Monday, May 18.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the charges against the 66-year-old man, also known by his new name Richard Jones, referred to the two complainants.

Launched Soccerway, Tuesday, a review was carried out into the evidence from the Cheshire police regarding allegations of sexual abuse of minors some time ago. This is what led to the CPS decision to sue Bennel.

Geoff Fryar, head of the Casework Unit of the CPS Mersey Cheshire Complex, said on Monday: "CPS can confirm that Richard Jones, aka Barry Bennell, today, 18 May 2020, appeared at Warrington Masters Court via a video link from HMP Littlehey.

"At the trial Jones, 66, was charged with nine sexual offenses in connection with the two complainants.

"The CPS made the decision to indict Bennell, a former soccer coach, after reviewing the evidence from the Cheshire Police regarding his long-standing allegations of child sexual abuse.

"CPS reminds all parties that Barry Bennell's criminal proceedings are now active and he has the right to a fair trial.

"It is imperative that there is no online reporting, commentary or sharing of information that could in any way reduce this process."

During his involvement in football, Bennell was the scout of Manchester City and the coach of League Two club Crewe Alexandra.