Barry Bennell
Barry Bennell worked at Crewe Alexandra in the 80s and 90s Cheshire Police

Former Crewe Alexandra football coach Barry Bennell is due to appear in court charged with a string of child sex offences. He is accused of eight offences against a boy under the age of 14 between 1981 and 1985.

Bennell, 62, who also had connections with Stoke City and Manchester City, as well as working with junior teams across across the North West, is due to appear at South Cheshire Magistrates Court to face the charges.

A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said: "On 27 September 2016, the Crown Prosecution Service received a file of evidence from Cheshire Police relating to allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse involving a former football coach, Barry Bennell.

"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. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

Update: Bennell has been remanded in custody and is due to appear next at Chester Crown Court on 11 January.

Charges against Bennell:

  1. Indecent assault on boy under the age of 14 years.
  2. Incite a boy under fourteen years of age to commit an act of gross indecency.
  3. Indecent assault on boy under the age of 14 years.
  4. Incite a boy under fourteen years of age to commit an act of gross indecency.
  5. Indecent assault on boy under the age of 14 years.
  6. Indecent assault on boy under the age of 14 years.
  7. Indecent assault on boy under the age of 14 years.
  8. Assault with intent to commit buggery.