Nursery Worker Claims Hand in Toddler's Trousers Was 'Only a Nappy Check'
A nursery worker accused of sexually abusing five toddlers has told a court he placed his hand inside a child's trousers solely to check a nappy, not for any inappropriate purpose. Nathan Bennett, 30, from Corston, Bath, is facing 11 serious charges at Bristol Crown Court, including rape, sexual assault, and assault by penetration against children under 13.
CCTV Footage Sparks Investigation and Arrest
The case came to light after Bennett's manager at the nursery observed disturbing scenes on CCTV footage. The video showed Bennett alone with a toddler, identified as Child A, with his hand inside the child's trousers for approximately 25 seconds. Alarmed by what she saw, the manager immediately sent Bennett home and contacted both the police and the local authority, leading to his arrest by detectives.
In police interviews following his arrest, Bennett provided an explanation for his actions. He stated that Child A had woken up from a nap upset, so he sat the child on his lap to offer comfort. According to Bennett, the toddler complained that his "nappy hurt," prompting Bennett to check the pull-up nappy. He claimed he inserted his hand inside the trousers because he could not unroll the nappy from the outside, describing it as a "daft decision" made while feeling "really icky" and unable to get up.
Defendant Denies Sexual Motive and Previous Guilty Pleas
Bennett strongly denied any sexual interest in children during questioning. When detectives asked if he had become a nursery worker to gain sexual access to children, he responded with a firm "No." He also disputed that the CCTV footage showed him looking around to see if staff were watching, insisting his focus was on the child's discomfort.
However, the court heard that Bennett has already pleaded guilty to 13 separate charges involving five children aged two or three. These include eight counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, four counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
The current trial concerns 11 additional charges that Bennett denies. These comprise two charges of raping a child under 13, four charges of sexual assault of a child under 13, two charges of assault by penetration of a child under 13, and three charges of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
Trial Continues Amid Nursery Closure
The jury was informed that the nursery where Bennett worked has since closed following the launch of the police investigation. The trial at Bristol Crown Court is ongoing, with Bennett maintaining his innocence against the latest allegations. His defence hinges on the argument that his actions were misinterpreted, stemming from an attempt to address a child's practical needs rather than any malicious intent.
