Ex-Coach Bennell Denies 20 Child Sex Offenses

Former Crewe Alexandra coach Barry Bennell denied 20 child sex offenses at a court appearance in northwest England on Wednesday.

The 63-year-old appeared via video-link from prison at Chester Crown Court.

He had previously denied eight of the charges, but entered 12 more not guilty pleas after more charges were made against him.

Bennell was charged with 14 counts of indecent assault, five counts of buggery and one count of attempted buggery.

The charges relate to four male complainants who were all aged under 16 at the time of the alleged offenses, said to have taken place between 1980 and 1987.

The case was adjourned until a hearing at Liverpool Crown on July 3.

The judge, Roger Dutton, said a trial was likely to take place in Liverpool next January.

Bennell will remain in custody until then.