NEIL BENNETT SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN BUCKHURST HILL

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Buckhurst Hill, Neil Bennett, aged 51, has been handed down a severe prison sentence of 16 years after being convicted of multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of a young girl. Bennett, who previously worked as a painter and decorator for a children’s charity, was found guilty of subjecting his victim to a prolonged campaign of sexual violence spanning over seven years during the 1990s.

According to court reports, the young woman, now in her twenties, endured repeated rapes and sexual assaults at the hands of Bennett, whose actions left a lasting impact on her mental health. During the sentencing hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Judge Wendy Joseph QC expressed her deep concern over Bennett’s apparent lack of remorse or understanding of the profound harm he caused. She highlighted the devastating effects of his abuse, noting that the victim’s life was significantly affected, with her suffering from severe emotional distress, academic struggles, and multiple suicide attempts.

Judge Joseph detailed that the victim’s mental health deteriorated to the point where she was admitted to a psychiatric unit. It was during this hospitalization, following a particularly serious suicide attempt, that she finally disclosed the reasons behind her self-destructive behavior — her abuse at Bennett’s hands. The judge emphasized the gravity of the offences, stating, “Seven years of abuse began to take their toll until she was terribly affected. She was clearly on the edge of a complete breakdown. She was failing at school and was attempting to kill herself with overdoses. She couldn’t bring herself to tell anyone in authority.”

Despite the conviction, Bennett maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. The court heard that he was found guilty of nine charges, including four counts of indecent assault, two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, and two counts of indecency with a child. Bennett’s defense lawyer, David Owen-Jones, argued that his client had no prior allegations of misconduct, noting that Bennett had worked for Barnardo’s at their Barkingside headquarters during the period of the offences, but there was no evidence to suggest he abused children there. Owen-Jones also highlighted Bennett’s positive contributions to his church and his respected standing within the community.

The judge, however, underscored the seriousness of Bennett’s crimes, stating, “You have no understanding of the harm you have done or the pain you have caused her. Looking at the gravity of the offences I have come to the conclusion these are very serious offences indeed.” As part of his sentence, Bennett was ordered to serve 16 years in prison, be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, and was disqualified from working with children in any capacity. The case has left a lasting scar on the Buckhurst Hill community, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and the devastating consequences of abuse.