Bristol Nursery Worker Found Guilty of Sexually Abusing Five Children
A 30-year-old man has been convicted of sexually abusing five young children who were under his care at a nursery in Bristol, in a case that has been described by prosecutors as "every parent's nightmare." Nathan Bennett, from Corston near Bath, was found guilty of eight serious offences, including rape, against children aged just two and three years old.
Predatory Behaviour and Guilty Pleas
During the trial at Bristol Crown Court, the prosecution detailed how Bennett won the trust of young boys at the Partou King Street nursery by showering them with excessive affection. Virginia Cornwall, prosecuting, stated that his behaviour demonstrated "a certain level of predation," as he systematically made the boys feel special and safe to facilitate his abuse.
In addition to the eight convictions, Bennett had previously pleaded guilty to 13 other, less serious charges related to four of the boys. The court heard that parents had raised concerns on three separate occasions in the six months leading up to his arrest, noting that he was overly affectionate and would kiss boys on the cheeks.
Discovery and Arrest
Bennett's actions were finally uncovered in February 2025 when a nursery manager observed him on CCTV putting his hand down the trousers of a child. He was immediately sent home, and the police were called to investigate. This incident marked the culmination of a pattern of behaviour that had gone unchecked despite earlier warnings.
One mother testified during the trial, describing the horrifying moment her son revealed he had been sexually abused by a male nursery worker. She said her son became sad and quiet, and the family reassured him with a big hug, promising it would not happen again. She also recounted how Bennett had given her son a book as a Christmas gift and expressed a desire to babysit him at the family home, even telling the boy he loved him.
Impact on Families and Safeguarding Failures
In a police interview played to the jury, one of the young victims, while pretending to cook a pizza and asking to do colouring, explained that he had not disclosed the abuse at the time because he was worried about saying the wrong thing. This highlights the vulnerability of the children and the profound impact of the abuse.
The families of the affected children, represented by the law firm Leigh Day, issued a statement expressing their devastation. 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. Nothing can begin to explain the shock, anger and heartbreak we feel."
The statement further demanded answers, questioning how Bennett was able to work with young children, what checks were conducted, and how the safeguarding systems at the Partou King Street nursery failed so catastrophically. The nursery is part of the Partou group, which was originally founded in the Netherlands.
When asked in court if he had anything to say to the parents of the children, Bennett responded, "I never wanted to hurt anybody." Bennett had begun working at the nursery in July 2024 as an early years practitioner, a position that placed him in a role of trust with vulnerable young children.
