Barry Bennell, a notorious football coach convicted of sexually abusing boys at top clubs, has passed away at the age of 69 while serving his sentence in prison. The Sun reported that Bennell, who was battling cancer, died on Saturday morning at HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire.

In 2018, Bennell was found guilty of abusing 12 boys, whose ages ranged from eight to 15, during the period spanning from 1979 to 1991. His heinous acts shocked the nation, leading to a landmark conviction. Then, in 2020, he was sentenced to an additional four years in prison for the abuse of two more young boys.

At his initial sentencing in February 2018, Judge Goldstone QC didn’t mince words when describing Bennell’s crimes. He characterised the former football coach as “the devil incarnate” and condemned Bennell for his predatory actions. The judge further stated that Bennell had portrayed himself as a god to his victims but was, in reality, a personification of evil.

Judge Goldstone’s remarks during sentencing were powerful and underscored the gravity of Bennell’s actions. He stated, “Your behavior towards these boys in grooming and seducing them before subjecting them to, in some cases, the most serious, degrading, and humiliating abuse was sheer evil.” Judge Goldstone went on to emphasise that Bennell had stolen the childhoods and innocence of his victims to satisfy his own perverted desires.

Barry Bennell’s actions not only scarred the lives of his victims but also exposed significant failings within the world of professional football in the UK. His case led to increased scrutiny of safeguarding practices and greater awareness of the vulnerability of young players within the sport.