Judge Labels Nathan Bennett ‘Incorrigible and Dangerous’ in Child Abuse Case
A man described as a “dangerous paedophile” has been sentenced to 24 years in prison after sexually abusing five children under his care at a nursery in Bristol.
Judge William Hart referred to Nathan Bennett as “evil” during sentencing and revealed he had seriously considered imposing a life sentence due to the difficulty in determining if Bennett would ever cease to pose a risk to children.
Bennett, aged 30 and employed as an early years practitioner, gained the trust of two- and three-year-old boys at the Partou King Street nursery by showing them affection before abusing them, sometimes in the presence of other children.
Addressing Bennett, Judge Hart said the children should have been safe within the nursery environment and 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 emphasized the extreme vulnerability of the children due to their young age and described the circumstances of the case as “highly uncommon.”
He further stated:
“You prioritised your sexual satisfaction over the welfare of these little children. That was due to grossly distorted thinking and a degree of, to use perhaps an old fashioned word, evil.”
Judge Hart also acknowledged that parents of other children at the nursery, who had not been identified as victims, might fear their children had also been abused or had witnessed Bennett’s actions.
The court imposed an extended determinate sentence totaling 30 years, consisting of 24 years in custody followed by six years on extended licence. The judge warned Bennett that failure to comply with licence conditions upon release would result in recall to prison to serve the full 30-year term.
Parents Speak Out on Impact of Abuse
The mother of one victim addressed Bristol Crown Court, expressing the betrayal of trust and ongoing concerns about her son’s future.
“The guilt and anger has been overwhelming. We sent him to this nursery we thought was a safe place. We hadn’t protected him. Something that is all you want to do as parents.
“What truly worries us is the future unknown. What will our son remember as he grows? What will happen when he begins to understand the significance of the abuse? How will it affect him? Will it impact his relationships, his mental health? We will not truly know the impact for many years.”
A father described his emotional response upon learning of his son’s abuse:
“I felt dead inside when I heard my son had been abused. When I broke the news to my wife she screamed and cried. Her son heard her and asked: ‘What is wrong with Mummy?’”
Details of Offences and Investigation
Bennett, from Corston near Bath, pleaded guilty to 13 charges relating to four of the boys. The offences came to light after concerns were raised by parents in the six months prior to his arrest.
He was apprehended in February 2025 when a nursery manager observed on CCTV Bennett placing his hand down a child’s trousers.
Families and Legal Representatives Respond
Leigh Day, the law firm representing 12 families whose children attended the nursery, issued a statement expressing that the sentence does not fully address the harm caused.
“Over the months before Bennett’s arrest, a number of parents raised concerns about his behaviour. We know concerns were raised to members of staff – we believe those warnings and complaints were not properly followed up or escalated. Had appropriate action been taken sooner, we fear some of the abuse children suffered may have been prevented.”
Nursery Group’s Response
The nursery is part of the Partou group, originally founded in the Netherlands.
A spokesperson for Partou stated:
“In the year since these offences first came to light, we have worked with a number of individuals and organisations to consider any ways in which we could strengthen our safeguarding of the children in our care.
“We have acted upon recommendations and as a result have increased training provided about safeguarding, strengthened policies, including with regard to recruitment and whistleblowing, increased the number of personnel in our leadership team who focus on safeguarding and introduced more internal and external auditing.
“We have also committed to expanding the use of CCTV across the Partou estate. We are in consultation with other sector stakeholders and government to support initiatives that strengthen safeguarding across the sector.”
