Twisted nursery worker raped and abused toddlers aged 2 and 3 | UK | News
Convicted pedophile nursery worker Nathan Bennett, 30, was found guilty of multiple sexual offenses against children in his care by a jury at Bristol Crown Court.
Bennett, of Corston, Bath, was found guilty of eight charges, including rape, sexual assault and assault by penetration, in relation to a children’s home in Bristol.
The defendant had previously pleaded guilty to 13 other charges relating to the same nursery.
A hearing at Bristol Crown Court heard the offenses involved five children aged two or three.
The 30-year-old was arrested in August last year following a six-month investigation by specialist Avon and Somerset Police officers.
Families of children abused by Nathan Bennett say they want answers about how he was able to commit these crimes.
In a statement released by law firm Leigh Day, which represents several of the families involved, they said: “We are devastated by the horrific abuse the children have suffered at the hands of someone we trusted to care for them.
“Nothing can explain the shock, anger and heartbreak we feel, or the deep and lasting impact we are sure this will have on families.
“The children were innocent and completely defenseless; they were in a place that was supposed to be safe.
“We want answers. We want to understand how someone like Nathan Bennett could work with young children, what controls were put in place and how the safeguarding systems in place at the nursery school in Partou King Street could not have been so disastrous.”
Avon and Somerset Police said the investigation into Nathan Bennett was “extremely challenging and distressing”.
Interim Detective Inspector Lucy Ford said: “Nathan Bennett was trusted to look after children but committed sexual offenses against very young children at work.
“An investigation involving such young children was extremely challenging and distressing for everyone involved.
“I would like to express my gratitude for the support and strength shown by these families.”
