Nursery Worker Found Guilty of Multiple Sexual Offences Against Toddlers in Bristol
A nursery worker is facing a substantial prison sentence after being convicted of multiple sexual offences against young children in his care at a Bristol nursery. Nathan Bennett, aged 30, has been found guilty by a jury of eight charges, including rape, sexual assault, and assault by penetration, relating to five toddlers aged two and three at the Partou King Street nursery.
Disturbing Details Emerge During Trial
Prosecutor Virginia Cornwall described the case as "every parent's nightmare" as she outlined the disturbing evidence presented to the court. Bennett had previously admitted to 13 additional charges relating to four of the five victims, all of whom were just two years old at the time of the offences.
The investigation began in February last year when concerns were raised by both parents and staff members about Bennett's inappropriate behaviour towards the children. On February 26, nursery manager Victoria Tutton discovered CCTV footage showing Bennett putting his hands down the trousers of a child, prompting his immediate removal from the premises.
Police Investigation and Nursery Closure
Avon and Somerset Police launched a comprehensive investigation following the discovery, which led to Bennett's arrest and ultimately the closure of the nursery. The court heard how Bennett had begun working at the facility in July 2024 and had informed staff he was autistic, though jurors were told he had never received a formal diagnosis for this condition.
Pattern of Concerning Behaviour
Staff members testified about several red flags in Bennett's conduct, including:
- Sitting children on his lap for extended periods
- Wearing trousers with holes in the crotch area
- Displaying "territorial" behaviour over specific toddlers and their parents
Nursery practitioner Elizabeth Burton told the court that Bennett had developed "jealous attachments" to five children and would "take control of them" during his shifts.
Child Testimony and Family Impact
During the trial, video interviews with two of the children, referred to only as Child A and Child E, were played to the jury. The mother of Child E gave emotional evidence, describing how her son had demonstrated the abuse he suffered at the nursery.
"I got him to stop doing it. I asked him when that happened. He said it happened at nursery," she told the court.
Bennett, who resides in Corston, Bath, claimed during proceedings that he was "emulating" what had been done to him as a child and denied having any sexual attraction to children.
Families Seek Answers and Justice
Families of the affected children have expressed their devastation and are demanding answers about how such crimes could occur in a supposedly safe childcare environment. Law firm Leigh Day, representing several of the families, released a statement saying:
"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 – or the profound and lasting impact we are sure this will have on families."
Nursery Response and Safeguarding Review
Partou King Street nursery issued a statement expressing their shock and distress at the "appalling crimes" committed by Bennett. The organisation confirmed they have provided specialist support to the affected children and families and have cooperated fully with investigating authorities.
The nursery stated they have robust safeguarding policies in place and have commissioned an independent review to identify any vulnerabilities in their systems. They have pledged to strengthen their safeguarding approach in line with recommendations and will engage with sector bodies and government to pursue coordinated initiatives to enhance child safety across all nursery settings.
The case has raised serious questions about safeguarding procedures in early years education and the vetting processes for childcare workers, with Bennett now awaiting sentencing for his multiple convictions.
