CHARLIE BENNETT SENTENCED IN SWINDON FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING 12-YEAR-OLD GIRLS
In July 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving Charlie Bennett, a primary school worker from Swindon, who engaged in a series of inappropriate and illegal communications with two 12-year-old girls.The incident came to light when one of the girls’ parents discovered messages on her phone, revealing Bennett’s troubling behavior.
According to court reports, Bennett persistently pressured the young girls to send him explicit images.
One of the girls, after enduring relentless pestering, finally relented and sent a photograph of herself wearing only a bra.
Bennett responded by sending her a picture of his genitals, further escalating the inappropriate exchanges.
He also told her, “we should meet up and do stuff,” implying a desire for physical contact, which added a layer of grooming to his actions.
In addition to this, Bennett sent the girl a picture of his penis, and despite her telling him she was 15, evidence suggested that Bennett was aware both girls were only 12 years old.
The court heard that the girl’s mother had seen messages indicating Bennett knew her daughter’s true age, which made his actions even more egregious.
Furthermore, the second girl was also targeted by Bennett.
Although she did not send explicit images, she did send him pictures from Pinterest.
Bennett, however, continued to pursue her by sending explicit images of his penis, including one when erect.
His behavior demonstrated a clear pattern of predatory conduct towards these vulnerable minors.
When Bennett was arrested, he immediately admitted to his actions, attempting to justify his behavior by claiming he was a hormonal teenage boy.
The court was informed that at the time of the offenses, Bennett was just a few weeks shy of his 18th birthday and was employed at a primary school in Swindon.
It was noted that he has since lost his job due to these allegations.
During the trial at Swindon Crown Court, Bennett pleaded guilty to two counts of intentionally causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity, which occurred in April 2018.
The prosecution, led by Rob Welling, highlighted that Bennett’s activities were only uncovered after the mother of one of the girls checked her daughter’s phone and found disturbing messages.
Judge Peter Crabtree delivered the sentence, acknowledging the grooming element present in Bennett’s conduct.
Despite the probation service’s assessment of Bennett as a “high risk of sexual recidivism,” the judge expressed a more cautious view, suggesting that Bennett could be managed within the community with appropriate supervision.
The judge emphasized that the community order was not a lenient option but a necessary measure in the public interest, aimed at protecting young girls and rehabilitating Bennett.
As part of his sentence, Bennett is required to complete a sex offenders’ program, perform 140 hours of unpaid work, and adhere to a sexual harm prevention order.
Additionally, he must register as a sex offender, underscoring the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing monitoring he will face moving forward.
