IAN BENNETT SENTENCED IN NORWICH FOR MULTIPLE CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCES
A man already serving a prison sentence for sexual offences against a young girl has been convicted of abusing two other children several years earlier.Ian Bennett, 57, was originally sentenced to 24 years in 2016 after being found guilty of a campaign of sexual abuse against a girl from 2005 to 2015.
Currently incarcerated at HM Prison Bure, Bennett appeared in court again after admitting to 11 sexual offences against another child between 1987 and 1992, as well as two offences against another girl between 1999 and 2001.
Prosecutor Will Carter told Norwich Crown Court that there was a 25-year period during which Bennett was "routinely abusing young girls." The offences took place in Norfolk and Lancashire and included two counts of gross indecency against one girl, as well as two counts of sexual intercourse with a girl under 13.
Bennett also pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual assault, along with indecency with a child and indecent assault.
In an impact statement, one of the victims — who cannot be named for legal reasons — described her feelings, stating that her confidence and self-worth were “shattered into pieces.” She described her experience as “terrifying” and said it “still haunts me today,” adding that she “wanted to die.” Another woman, abused by Bennett between 1999 and 2001, said that the defendant “ruined my life,” explaining that her “childhood was not a childhood” and that she had been a “scared little girl.” She expressed disgust at what Bennett had done and wished she could have had a normal life.
Judge Katharine Moore noted that Bennett is already serving a sentence for “the most appalling sexual abuse” and was being sentenced for “serious sexual abuse” against two other young girls in previous years.
Bennett was sentenced to an extended determinate term of 28 years, consisting of 20 years in custody and eight years on extended licence.
This sentence runs concurrently with his current imprisonment, meaning he will not be eligible for parole until 2035.
Andrew Oliver, representing the defense, stated that Bennett stands by his guilty pleas, which have spared two women from having to testify about traumatic events.
Bennett, who is required to register as a sex offender indefinitely, was also ordered to avoid contact with either victim directly or indirectly through a restraining order.
