Paedophile ex-coach Barry Bennell's prison sentence appeal rejected

The paedophile football coach Barry Bennell has had his appeal for a short prison sentence rejected.

His bid to challenge the length of his jail term for child sex offences was heard on Wednesday in the Court of appeal.

The former Crewe Alexandra coach and Manchester City scout was imprisoned in February after he was convicted at Liverpool Crown Court of 50 offences committed against 12 boys he coached between 1979 and 1991.

During his six-week trial, Bennell, 64, was said to have committed 'industrial scale' levels of abuse against vulnerable boys in his care.

The court heard how he had a 'power hold' over his victims as they dreamed of becoming professional footballers.

Labelling him the 'devil incarnate', Judge Clement Goldstone QC told him he would serve half of the 30-year term in custody with the rest on licence.

The judge said Bennell's abuse had destroyed the boys' enthusiasm for football and let them to suffer problems including suicidal thoughts, alcoholism and depression.

He previously served three jail terms, totalling 15 years, for similar offences involving 16 other victims.

Bennell attended Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing but appeared via videolink from HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes for the duration of the trial because of health problems.

Eleanor Laws QC, defending, said Bennell had suffered from cancer in the past and had operations to remove tumours from his tongue in 2004 and 2016.

Bennell was also on anti-anxiety medication, the court heard.

Miss Laws told the court that this meant his time in custody would be 'less comfortable and more difficult' than someone without all those concerns.