A former nursery worker has been convicted of a series of serious sexual offences against very young children, following a trial described by prosecutors as one of the most disturbing cases to come before the court in recent years.
Nathan Bennett, 30, from Corston near Bath, was found guilty at Bristol Crown Court of multiple offences involving children aged two and three. The convictions include two counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault, and two counts of assault by penetration. The offences related to five young boys who attended the Partou King Street Nursery in Bristol.
In addition to the convictions reached by the jury, Bennett had earlier pleaded guilty to 13 further sexual offence charges connected to four of the same children, all of whom were aged two at the time of the abuse. The offences occurred while Bennett was employed as a nursery worker, a role that placed him in daily contact with vulnerable toddlers.
Bennett began working at the nursery in July 2024. Concerns about his conduct were raised by both parents and staff members before his arrest. The case came to the attention of police after the nursery manager, Victoria Tutton, reviewed CCTV footage in February 2025 and observed inappropriate behaviour involving a child. She immediately reported the matter to Avon and Somerset Police.
Following a six-month investigation, Bennett was arrested and charged. The inquiry was described by detectives as complex and emotionally challenging, given the ages of the children involved and the number of affected families. The nursery later closed in December 2025.
During the trial, prosecutor Virginia Cornwall told the jury that the case represented “every parent’s nightmare,” highlighting the breach of trust involved when a caregiver abuses their position of responsibility. Evidence presented to the court included testimony from nursery staff who described Bennett’s unusual and concerning behaviour, including spending excessive time with particular children and attempting to assert control over their care.
One nursery practitioner told the court that Bennett appeared to develop an unhealthy attachment to a small group of children and behaved in a possessive manner towards them. The jury also viewed recorded interviews involving two of the children, identified for legal reasons as Child A and Child E. The mother of one child gave evidence, explaining how her son later indicated that he had been harmed while at the nursery.
Bennett denied having a sexual interest in children during the trial and claimed his actions were linked to abuse he said he experienced earlier in life. The jury rejected his account after considering four days of evidence and legal submissions.
The case has had a wide impact beyond the immediate victims. Families whose children attended the nursery during the relevant period, including those whose children were not directly harmed, released statements expressing devastation and demanding answers. Several families are now receiving legal support from the firm Leigh Day, which said serious questions remain about safeguarding procedures and oversight at the nursery.
Partou, the company that operated the nursery, said it was shocked and distressed by the case. In a statement, the company said it had safeguarding policies in place and had strengthened its procedures following an independent review. It also said it would work with government and the wider childcare sector to improve child protection standards.
Detective Inspector Lucy Forde of Avon and Somerset Police acknowledged the distress caused to families and said officers have remained in contact with parents where appropriate. She encouraged anyone with concerns to contact the force’s child protection team.
Sentencing has been scheduled for 16 March. Judge William Hart told the court that Bennett should expect a lengthy prison sentence, noting the extreme seriousness of offences involving children of such a young age. Bennett has been remanded in custody until sentencing.
Source: Africa Publicity
