Former Nursery Worker Found Guilty of Multiple Child Sex Offences
Nathan Bennett, a 30-year-old former nursery worker, has been convicted of sexually abusing five young children at the Partou King Street nursery in Bristol. The verdict was delivered at Bristol Crown Court on Monday, February 9, 2026, following a trial that heard harrowing details of the abuse. Bennett, from Corston, Bath, was found guilty of 21 offences in total, involving children aged just two and three years old.
Details of the Conviction and Charges
The jury found Bennett guilty of eight charges, which included two counts of raping a child, four counts of sexual assault of a child, and two counts of assault of a child by penetration. He had previously pleaded guilty to an additional 13 charges, relating to four of the five victims. These earlier admissions included eight counts of sexual assault of a child, four counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
Prosecutor Virginia Cornwall described the case as 'every parent's nightmare,' a sentiment echoed by Judge William Hart.
Discovery and Investigation
Concerns about Bennett's behaviour first emerged in February 2025, less than a year after he began working at the nursery in July 2024. Nursery manager Victoria Tutton reviewed CCTV footage, which showed Bennett placing his hands down a child's trousers, leading to his immediate dismissal. The Avon and Somerset Police launched an investigation, which culminated in Bennett's arrest and the subsequent closure of the Partou King Street nursery.
Sentencing Awaited and Community Impact
Bennett has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on March 16, 2026. Judge William Hart warned Bennett that he faces 'inevitably a very long sentence of custody.' The families of the victims have expressed their devastation and are seeking answers regarding the safeguarding practices at the nursery. A statement issued on behalf of the families highlighted their shock and anger, questioning how such abuse could occur in a place of trust.
5 Comments
Muchacha
The conviction is a testament to the legal process, but it's a stark reminder that even trusted environments can be compromised. We need better monitoring and improved support for staff to report concerns without fear.
Comandante
The relief of a guilty verdict is palpable, yet the fact that it took so long for concerns to be acted upon is deeply troubling. Vigilance and swift action must be constant in childcare settings.
Africa
It's vital that justice was served with this conviction, but this case also raises serious questions about safeguarding protocols in nurseries nationwide. We need systemic changes to prevent recurrence.
Bermudez
Absolutely sickening. My heart breaks for those poor kids and their parents.
Habibi
While the conviction is a crucial step towards closure for the families, the profound trauma inflicted will last a lifetime. We must do more to support victims and prevent these atrocities from happening.