ANTHONY BENNETT'S HORRIFIC ABUSE AT HOLSWORTHY BOARDING SCHOOL REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community, Anthony Bennett, a 65-year-old janitor from Holsworthy, has been convicted of heinous sexual offenses committed against young boys at a private boarding school. The crimes, which spanned over a decade during the 1970s and 1980s, involved Bennett luring boys as young as 12 into his caravan on the school grounds with the aid of cigarettes and alcohol, then subjecting them to repeated sexual assaults.

During the trial at Exeter Crown Court, it was revealed that Bennett, who was employed at Shebbear College in North Devon, used his position and familiarity to gain the trust of vulnerable children. His duties at the school included mowing the lawns and maintaining the swimming pool, and he resided on the premises in a caravan. This proximity allowed him to manipulate and groom the boys, exploiting their loneliness and innocence.

The court heard that Bennett would share cigarettes, coffee, and alcohol with the boys, often encouraging them to watch pornography with him before committing acts of abuse. The victims, now middle-aged men, bravely provided emotional and detailed testimonies about their experiences, describing feelings of humiliation, fear, and betrayal. Many of these accounts only emerged after years of suppression, as the victims struggled to come to terms with their trauma.

Judge Erik Salomonsen addressed the court, emphasizing the severity of Bennett’s crimes. He stated, “These were heinous crimes committed against vulnerable victims who had left home and were entitled to rely on everyone employed at the school to protect them and ensure their safety.” The judge highlighted that some assaults involved Bennett pinning the boys to the ground and attempting to intimidate them into silence by threatening punishment or expulsion if they disclosed the abuse.

Throughout the trial, Bennett admitted to 13 sexual offenses involving four victims but denied eight more serious charges, which included allegations of penetrative sex with three of the boys. Despite his denials, the jury found him guilty of all charges after a week-long trial, resulting in a sentence of 19 years in prison.

The court also heard about the harsh environment at Shebbear College, where older students enforced a strict hierarchy over younger pupils, creating a climate of vulnerability. Bennett’s grooming process was methodical, exploiting the boys’ trust and their first experience away from home. The victims’ testimonies painted a picture of betrayal and profound psychological damage, with one describing how he became a “terrified child,” afraid to change clothes during rugby matches for fear of suspicion. Another victim shared that “the happy times of school have been overshadowed and blacked out by memories of abuse.”

In his defense, Bennett claimed that the victims exaggerated or lied about the extent of the abuse. He expressed remorse for his actions, describing them as “disgusting and filthy,” and admitted that he did not realize the lasting impact his crimes would have on his victims. The police praised the courage of the victims for coming forward and sharing their painful stories, which ultimately led to Bennett’s conviction and imprisonment.