Nursery Worker Who Wore a Pair of Trousers 'With Holes in the Crotch Area' Convicted Of R*ping Toddlers Aged 2-3

A Bristol Crown Court jury has convicted a nursery worker, Nathan Bennett, 30, of multiple counts of rape, sexual assault and assault by penetration against toddlers aged two and three in his care, after what prosecutors described as 'every parent's worst nightmare.'

Bennett, from Corston near Bath, was found guilty by a jury on Monday, 9 February 2026. The conviction follows a trial in which prosecutors presented evidence from CCTV footage, recorded child interviews and staff testimony indicating inappropriate interactions with the children. Bennett will be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on 16 March 2026.

The offences relate to five boys aged two or three who attended the Partou King Street nursery in central Bristol, which has since closed amid the investigation and trial.

Evidence, CCTV Footage and Investigation

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that Bennett was convicted of eight serious sexual offences, including two counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, and four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.

Prior to the trial, Bennett had already pleaded guilty to 13 other offences involving sexual activity with children under 13, including causing a child to engage in sexual activity and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

The prosecution's case hinged on several pieces of direct evidence that included CCTV footage capturing Bennett inappropriately touching a child, instigating the nursery's manager to send him home in February 2025 and report the incident to authorities.

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) was notified the same day, and Avon and Somerset Police arrested Bennett later that day. Specialist officers then conducted a six-month investigation that resulted in his initial charging with eight offences in August 2025 and a further 14 later.

During the trial, jurors were shown interviews with victims, including a video of one three-year-old boy describing how the abuse occurred inside the nursery. The judge allowed these recorded interviews to be submitted as evidence without cross-examination because of the witness's age.

One mother testified that her son used specific details, such as a description of Bennett wearing a smartwatch he liked, to identify the abuser after he had been sent home, indicating the child understood who was harming him.

Staff Recollections and Behavioural Concerns

Several staff members told the court that Bennett's conduct had sparked concern long before the formal investigation began.

Nursery practitioners reported that Bennett sat children on his lap for unusually long periods and exhibited 'jealous attachment' to certain children. They also mentioned how he is territorial about his 'group' of toddlers and their parents

Another disturbing statement recounts Bennett wearing the same pair of trousers repeatedly, which colleagues noted had holes around the crotch area and were unsuitable for a childcare setting, according to witness statements heard at trial.

Such behavioural red flags had been noted informally, but staff only formally reviewed CCTV once concerns were raised by multiple parents and practitioners.

Following the discovery of suspicious footage, Bennett was sent home immediately and reported to the police and the local authority, which ultimately led to a criminal investigation.

Statements From Police, Families and Safeguarding Experts

In a statement published on the Avon and Somerset Police website, investigators acknowledged the distressing nature of the probe and emphasised the gravity of offences committed against very young children. Investigating officers encouraged other affected families to contact the force's child protection team if they had questions or concerns.

The CPS's South West Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit issued a press release outlining Bennett's convictions. Senior prosecutor Gemma Kneebone described the case in stark terms, saying Bennett exploited 'the trust placed in him by parents and the school.' The statement confirmed the locations and ages of the victims and stressed that the offences occurred while the victims were in his professional care.

Families of the victims, represented by lawyers from Leigh Day, released a joint statement expressing profound devastation. They said they were 'devastated by the horrific abuse children have suffered at the hands of someone whom we all trusted to care for them.' The families called for a full explanation of how safeguarding systems failed so catastrophically.

Their legal representatives emphasised that the management and supervision of Bennett at the nursery did not adequately protect the children, raising deep concerns about systemic weaknesses in early childhood care.

The convictions leave a community reeling and demand a reckoning in childcare safeguards to prevent further tragedy.