A paedophile who carried out ‘absolutely sickening’ abuse against kids from London to the Midlands from the late 90s onwards has been jailed. Gary Bennett, 61, from Bromsgrove, near Birmingham, was found guilty of 57 counts of non-recent child sexual abuse against seven victims, and was jailed for 28 years, with a minimum of 18 years in prison, at Worcester Crown Court on May 8.
The abuse took place over a nine-year period from 1995 to 2004 in towns across the Midlands and in London. Six victims were male, plus one female – all of whom were children or teenagers when they were abused. The offences for which Bennett was convicted included rape, attempted rape, and indecency with a child, say West Mercia Police.
Police launched an investigation after the abuse was first reported in May 2018. Lead investigator Inspector Julie Taylor said it was a ‘long and complex’ case with many delays in the court proceedings, but she was happy that Bennett’s victims – who she described as ‘patient, dignified and determined’ – were finally able to see him face justice.
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“The abuse he put them through is absolutely sickening and is something which will affect them for the rest of their lives,” Inspector Taylor 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.”
“I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, whether as an adult or child, and whether recent or not, to get in touch with us. You will be taken seriously and you will be listened to.”
If you’ve been affected by sexual assault then local support is available from the Victim Advice Line. Support is available by telephone on 0800 9523000, via email at [email protected] and through live chat on victimadviceline.org.uk.
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