Nursery Worker Found Guilty of Multiple Sexual Offences Against Young Children
A nursery worker has been convicted of multiple sexual offences against very young children at a Bristol nursery, in what authorities have described as a profoundly shocking case. Nathan Bennett, aged 30, was found guilty by a jury of eight charges including rape, sexual assault, and assault by penetration.
Details of the Offences and Investigation
The charges relate to five children, all aged just two or three years old, who were under Bennett's care at the Partou King Street nursery in Bristol. The investigation began after concerns were raised by both parents and staff members regarding Bennett's behaviour in February 2025.
Avon and Somerset Police launched a thorough investigation which ultimately led to Bennett's arrest. The nursery has since closed its doors permanently following these devastating revelations.
Discovery and Court Proceedings
The case came to light when nursery manager Victoria Tutton, known as Vera, reviewed CCTV footage on February 26. The footage clearly showed Bennett putting his hands down the trousers of a child, prompting his immediate removal from the premises.
During the trial, prosecutor Virginia Cornwall described the situation as "every parent's nightmare". The court heard disturbing details about Bennett's behaviour, including how he would sit children on his lap for extended periods while wearing trousers with holes in the crotch area.
Pattern of Behaviour and Testimony
Nursery practitioner Elizabeth Burton testified that Bennett developed what she described as a "jealous attachment" to five specific children and would "take control of them" in a territorial manner. Staff members noted his particular focus on certain toddlers and their parents.
Video interviews with two of the children, referred to only as Child A and Child E, were presented to the jury. In emotional testimony, Child E's mother described how her son demonstrated the abuse he had suffered at the nursery, telling her "it happened at nursery" when she questioned him about his behaviour.
Defendant's Claims and Previous Admissions
When giving evidence, Bennett claimed he was "emulating" what had been done to him as a child and denied having any sexual attraction to children. He had previously told staff he was autistic, though the court heard he had never received a formal diagnosis for this condition.
Bennett, from Corston in Bath, had already pleaded guilty to thirteen additional charges before the trial began. The full list of convictions includes:
- Two charges of raping a child under 13
- Four charges of sexual assault of a child under 13
- Two charges of assault of a child under 13 by penetration
- Eight charges of sexual assault of a child under 13 (previously admitted)
- Four charges of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity (previously admitted)
- One charge of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child (previously admitted)
Families Seek Answers and Justice
The families affected by Bennett's crimes have expressed their devastation and are demanding answers about how such abuse could occur in a supposedly safe environment. In a statement issued by law firm Leigh Day, representing several families, they said: "We are devastated by the horrific abuse children have suffered at the hands of someone whom we all trusted to care for them."
The statement continued: "We want to understand how someone like Nathan Bennett was able to work with young children, what checks were made, and how the safeguarding systems in place at Partou King Street nursery failed so catastrophically."
Legal and Police Response
Andrew Lord, representing a wider group of affected families, emphasised the severity of the case: "This is an utterly shocking case. The seriousness of these offences against very young, defenceless children cannot be overstated."
Temporary Detective Inspector Lucy Ford from Avon and Somerset Police acknowledged the challenging nature of the investigation: "Nathan Bennett was trusted to care for children but committed sexual offences against the very young children at his place of work. An investigation involving such young children was deeply challenging and distressing for all concerned."
The families have expressed hope that beyond securing justice through the criminal process, there will be a comprehensive review of safeguarding practices to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
