UK
Nursery worker convicted of child rape offenses
The actions of Nathan Bennett, who abused young boys aged two and three, represent a disturbing scenario that is deeply troubling for parents.
A court has delivered a guilty verdict in a case involving the sexual abuse of children, described as a scenario that evokes deep concern among parents.
Nathan Bennett has been convicted on multiple charges, including two counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault, and two counts of assault by penetration, in connection with incidents involving five young boys at the Partou King Street Nursery in Bristol, where the victims were aged two and three.
Prior to this conviction, Bennett had already pleaded guilty to 13 separate sexual offence charges related to four of the boys, all of whom were two years old at the time of the incidents.
Bennett, a 30-year-old resident of Corston near Bath, was taken into custody by Avon and Somerset Police in August 2025, following an investigation that spanned six months.
Readers are advised that the details of this case may be disturbing
On Friday afternoon, the jury at Bristol Crown Court commenced deliberations to reach a verdict, following a four-day presentation of evidence.
Bennett's employment at the nursery began in July 2024, but his tenure was cut short when he was taken into custody in February 2025, after nursery manager Victoria Tutton witnessed incriminating CCTV footage and alerted the authorities.
The nursery ceased operations in December 2025, marking a significant development in the case.
At the outset of the trial, prosecutor Virginia Cornwall informed the jury that concerns had been raised by both parents and staff regarding Bennett's interactions with the children under his care, prior to his arrest.
"The subsequent events… may be considered a worst-case scenario for any parent," prosecutor Virginia Cornwall stated at the start of the trial.
When an individual is given the responsibility of caring for a child in a parent's absence, it is a profound betrayal of trust if that person exploits their position to commit sexual abuse.
According to staff testimony, Bennett exhibited unusual behavior, including sitting children on his lap for extended periods, wearing pants with holes in the crotch area, and displaying possessiveness towards certain toddlers and their families.
Elizabeth Burton, a nursery practitioner, testified that Bennett formed an intense bond with five specific children, characterized by a desire to dominate and control their interactions.
As part of the trial proceedings, the jury viewed video recordings of interviews with two children involved in the case, identified as Child A and Child E.
The mother of Child E also took the stand, recounting how her son had reenacted the alleged abuse he suffered at the nursery.
Bennett maintained that he did not have a sexual attraction to minors, instead stating that his actions were a result of mimicking the abuse he suffered during his own childhood.
Families whose children attended the nursery but were not victims of Bennett's abuse have expressed their distress over the disturbing incidents of abuse that occurred.
These families are seeking clarification on how Bennett was able to commit such crimes and are currently receiving support from the law firm Leigh Day.
A spokesperson for the law firm noted that the affected families are experiencing a range of emotions, including shock, anger, and heartbreak, and anticipate long-term consequences.
The spokesperson emphasized the vulnerability of the children, who were innocent and trusting, and the fact that they were in a setting that was supposed to be a safe environment.
The families are seeking clarification on the checks that were conducted and the reasons behind the nursery's safeguarding systems failing so severely.
Partou has expressed its shock and distress upon learning the details of the incident, according to a company spokesperson.
The spokesperson emphasized that Partou has comprehensive safeguarding policies and procedures in place, which were adhered to throughout the relevant period.
Following an independent review, Partou implemented enhancements to its safeguarding approach, based on the recommendations provided.
According to the spokesperson, Partou plans to collaborate with the sector and government to launch coordinated efforts aimed at ensuring the safety of children across all nursery settings.
According to Det Insp Lucy Forde of Avon and Somerset Police, the probe into Bennett's offenses presented a complex and troubling challenge for all parties involved.
The case has also had a profound impact on families whose children were enrolled at the nursery during the period when the crimes occurred, prompting significant concern; authorities have made an effort to keep these families updated as necessary.
It is acknowledged that parents of children who may have interacted with Nathan Bennett are likely to have questions and concerns about the situation.
For those seeking guidance, the Avon and Somerset Police child protection team can be reached through a specialized online form available on the force's official website.
Judge William Hart indicated that Nathan Bennett, who has been convicted of pedophilia, will receive a lengthy prison term.
According to Hart, the children involved in this case are the youngest he has encountered in a long time.
It is likely that Child E is the youngest person to have testified in a trial in this jurisdiction, and possibly even nationwide.
The judge expressed gratitude to the jury for their thoughtful deliberation in a case that was particularly upsetting.
Bennett is being held in custody until his sentencing hearing, which is scheduled to take place on March 16.
News
Peter Murrell faces allegations of misusing £459,000 in funds over 12 years
Allegations have been made that he bought various items, such as luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome, in an improper manner.
Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, is facing allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.
An indictment document obtained by BBC News outlines the case against Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The alleged embezzlement is said to have occurred between August 2010 and January 2023, according to the indictment.
It is claimed that Murrell used party funds to purchase luxury items, including jewellery, cosmetics, and vehicles, such as two cars and a motorhome.
The Scottish Sun was the first to report on the details of the indictment.
A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 20 February, where Murrell is expected to appear.
During his initial court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell made no plea and was subsequently granted bail.
Murrell's arrest in 2023 was part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation into the SNP's funding and finances, which led to him being charged with embezzlement in April 2024.
Although Sturgeon was questioned by police as part of the investigation, she is no longer considered a suspect.
BBC News has obtained a copy of the indictment against Murrell ahead of his upcoming court appearance.
It is worth noting that the indictment is subject to change until the case is heard in court and may be amended throughout the judicial process.
The indictment alleges that Murrell purchased a £124,550 motorhome for personal use and created false documents to justify the expense as a legitimate party expenditure.
Murrell is also accused of using £57,500 of party funds to buy a Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019, and falsifying an invoice to conceal the true nature of the purchase.
Furthermore, it is alleged that when the Jaguar was sold in 2021, Murrell deposited more than £47,000 into his personal bank account.
The indictment also claims that Murrell embezzled £16,489 from the SNP to partially fund the purchase of a Volkswagen Golf in 2016.
A list of over 80 retailers is included in the indictment, where Murrell allegedly made purchases totalling more than £159,000 between 2014 and 2022, using party credit or charge cards for personal expenses.
The retailers named in the indictment include Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos, among others.
It is alleged that Murrell used SNP credit or charge cards to make these purchases and then inserted false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions into the party's accounting systems.
The indictment also accuses Murrell of making purchases worth over £81,600 through Amazon using the same method.
Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for 22 years before his departure.
Murrell and Sturgeon were married in 2010, but announced their separation in January 2025, after being together for many years.
News
Prince Andrew’s BBC Interview Contrasted with New Insights from Epstein Emails
The Epstein files’ recent release has led to renewed examination of statements made by Prince Andrew in 2019.
The recent release of the Epstein files has prompted a re-examination of statements made by Prince Andrew during a 2019 BBC Newsnight interview, which may now be subject to renewed scrutiny.
A review of the interview by BBC journalists Sean Coughlan and Sarah Campbell has been conducted, comparing Prince Andrew's responses with emails allegedly exchanged by the prince, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is under increasing pressure from US authorities and the family of Virginia Giuffre, who has made prominent allegations against him, to provide testimony in the US regarding his connection to Jeffrey Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted financier, was found guilty in 2008 of soliciting prostitution from a minor and took his own life in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges.
News
Motorist Accumulates £20k Debt on Toll Bridge, Prompting Caution
A driver received a substantial fine that was subsequently transferred to a collections agency, resulting in a debt of approximately £20,000.
A driver is facing a substantial bill of £20,000 due to unpaid tolls, which appears to be the result of an administrative error.
Merseyflow, the operator of the Runcorn-Widnes crossing, has emphasized the importance of notifying them of any changes to the vehicle registered under their discount scheme to avoid potential issues.
Residents in the area are eligible for free crossings through the Local User Discount Scheme, but it is crucial that they maintain up-to-date records to continue receiving this benefit.
A recent incident involved a local driver who allegedly failed to provide necessary documentation to confirm eligibility for the scheme after purchasing a new vehicle.
The driver accumulated penalty charges from December 2023, when the pass expired, to November 2024, resulting in significant fines.
According to Merseyflow, the driver changed vehicles in June 2024 but did not provide proof of eligibility at that time.
It was not until nine months later that the driver submitted the required documentation, leading to the reinstatement of the free pass, as stated by the company.
However, the outstanding fines, which have been referred to a debt collection agency, reportedly cover both the current vehicle and another that the driver claims to have sold in 2021.
In an interview with the BBC, the driver expressed feelings of stress, stating that they had taken the necessary steps but were still facing difficulties.
A Merseyflow spokesperson highlighted the importance of notifying the DVLA immediately in the event of a vehicle sale, transfer, or part-exchange to avoid liability for taxes or fines, emphasizing that failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
The spokesperson further explained that the use of an enforcement agent is typically a last resort for unresolved penalty charge notices.
According to the company, cases that progress to the advanced enforcement stage, involving a visit from an enforcement agent, will have had multiple opportunities to settle the debt and received at least five written notifications.
The spokesperson advised individuals who receive a PCN to take prompt action, as ignoring the issue can lead to significant increases in the debt once it is passed on to an enforcement agent.
The company's message to those who receive a PCN is to address the issue promptly to avoid further complications and increased costs.
In 2025, the Mersey Gateway and the nearby Silver Jubilee Bridge saw over 27 million crossings, with approximately 84,000 vehicles using these bridges daily.
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