City Wins Court Battle Against Bennell’s Abuse Victims

Manchester City has won a court battle against eight men who sued the club for being abused by paedophile, Barry Bennell, more than 30 years ago.

According to the claimants, Bennell abused them while he was still a coach in north-west England between 1979 and 1985.

During the time of abuse, the accused was also a scout for the Cityzens, according to the claim. Therefore, the victims argued that the club, as an employer, was vicariously liable for the abuse.

However, Man City has denied the claims, saying that Bennell was the club’s scout in the mid-1970s and not between 1979 and 1985.

On Monday, 10 January 2021, the High Court ruled in favour of Manchester City.

High Court Judge, Mr Justice Johnson, said: “The connection between the abuse and Bennell’s relationship with MCFC [Manchester City football club] is insufficient to give rise to vicarious liability.”

He added: “The relationship gave Bennell the opportunity to commit the abuse, but MCFC had not entrusted the welfare of the claimants to Bennell.”

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