The former youth coach at the centre of the abuse scandal rocking the world of football, Barry Bennell – currently at Stevenage’s Lister Hospital – has been charged with eight offences of sexual assault against a boy aged under 14.
Former Crewe Alexandra FC youth coach Bennell – who is 62 and also known as Richard Jones – was taken to the Lister after being found unconscious in what police called a ‘fear for welfare incident’ at the Novotel Stevenage on Friday night.
The Crown Prosecution Service said it had received a file of evidence from Cheshire Police in relation to allegations of historic abuse.
In a statement today the CPS said: “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.”
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