Evil Paedophile Jailed for 24 Years After Abusing Five Children at Bristol Nursery
A dangerous paedophile who sexually abused five young children at a nursery in Bristol has been sentenced to 24 years in prison. Judge William Hart described Nathan Bennett as "evil" and considered imposing a life sentence due to the high risk he poses to children.
Judge's Stern Words and Sentencing Details
Judge Hart told Bennett that the children should have been safe at the Partou King Street nursery. He stated, "You were lurking, ready to abuse them and pollute their innocence with your vile desires. You are an incorrigible and dangerous paedophile." The judge highlighted the "extreme youth" of the victims, making them highly vulnerable, and noted the case's "highly uncommon" circumstances.
Hart imposed an extended determinate sentence of 30 years, which includes 24 years in custody and six years on extended licence. He warned Bennett that if he fails to follow licence terms upon release, he will be recalled to prison to serve the full 30 years.
Abuse and Manipulation of Trust
Bennett, 30, an early years practitioner from Corston near Bath, won the trust of two- and three-year-old boys by showering them with affection before abusing them, sometimes in front of other children. He was found guilty by a jury of eight offences, including rape, and pleaded guilty to 13 other charges related to four of the boys.
During the trial, it emerged that parents had raised concerns about Bennett's behaviour in the six months before his arrest. He was finally stopped in February 2025 when a nursery manager saw him on CCTV putting his hand down the trousers of a child.
Impact on Families and Nursery Response
The mother of one victim expressed overwhelming guilt and anger, stating, "We sent him to this nursery we thought was a safe place. We hadn't protected him." She worried about the long-term effects on her son's mental health and relationships. A father described feeling "dead inside" upon learning of the abuse, and his wife's distress when she heard the news.
In a statement issued by the law firm Leigh Day, 12 families whose children attended the nursery said the sentence does not repair the harm caused. They claimed that warnings about Bennett's behaviour were not properly followed up, potentially allowing further abuse.
A Partou spokesperson said the group has strengthened safeguarding measures since the offences came to light, including increased training, policy improvements, and expanded CCTV use. They are consulting with sector stakeholders and government to enhance safeguarding across the industry.
