A nursery worker has been found guilty of perpetrating heinous sexual crimes against young children in what has been termed “every parent’s nightmare.” Nathan Bennett, 30, was convicted at Bristol Crown Court on multiple counts of sexual abuse involving five toddlers, aged two and three, at the Partou King Street Nursery in Bristol.
Disturbing Crimes Uncovered
The jury deliberated for four days before returning a verdict that included two counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault, and two counts of assault by penetration. Bennett had also previously acknowledged guilt regarding 13 additional charges related to sexual offences against four of the boys, all of whom were only two years old at the time of the incidents.
Bennett, who resided in Corston near Bath, was apprehended in February 2025 following a six-month investigation by Avon and Somerset Police. The inquiry was initiated after nursery manager Victoria Tutton reported suspicious behaviour after reviewing CCTV footage that showed Bennett putting his hands down a child’s trousers.
A Breach of Trust
Bennett began his employment at the nursery in July 2024, and concerns about his conduct had already been raised by both parents and staff before his arrest. Prosecutor Virginia Cornwall described the situation as a gross violation of trust. “A person entrusted to care for your child abuses that role and sexually assaults your child,” she stated, underlining the emotional devastation this case has wrought on families.
Testimonies from nursery staff revealed that Bennett exhibited troubling behaviours, such as sitting on laps for extended periods and displaying possessive tendencies over certain children and their parents. One nursery practitioner, Elizabeth Burton, noted his “jealous attachment” to a select group of children, further highlighting the inappropriate dynamics at play.
Impact on Families
The ramifications of Bennett’s actions have left families reeling. Those who had children at the nursery but were not victims expressed their devastation at the news of the abuse. They are now seeking answers regarding how Bennett was able to carry out such crimes undetected. A spokesperson for the families, represented by law firm Leigh Day, articulated their grief and anger, stating, “Nothing can begin to explain the shock, anger, and heartbreak we feel.” They called for a thorough investigation into the nursery’s safeguarding protocols, which they believe failed catastrophically.
Partou, the nursery’s managing organisation, expressed its shock and distress over the findings. A spokesperson asserted that the nursery has robust safeguarding policies in place and has committed to strengthening these measures in light of the independent review recommendations. They stated their intention to collaborate with the sector and government to enhance child safety across all nursery settings.
Ongoing Investigation and Support
Detective Inspector Lucy Forde from Avon and Somerset Police acknowledged the distressing nature of the investigation and the impact it has had on other families whose children attended the nursery during the timeframe in question. She encouraged anyone with concerns regarding their children’s interactions with Bennett to reach out for support through their child protection team.
Judge William Hart, who presided over the case, indicated that Bennett would face a lengthy prison sentence, stating, “These are the youngest children I have had to deal with in many, many years.” He expressed gratitude to the jury for their careful consideration of such a challenging case, noting the exceptional circumstances of the youngest witness involved.
Bennett has been remanded in custody and is scheduled for sentencing on 16 March.
Why it Matters
This case underscores the critical importance of safeguarding measures in childcare settings. The horrific betrayal of trust not only affects the victims but also reverberates through their families and the wider community, raising urgent questions about how such abuses can be prevented in the future. As society contemplates these troubling events, it becomes increasingly clear that vigilant oversight and robust safeguarding practices are essential to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.
