Bristol Nursery Worker Guilty of Raping Toddlers
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the West of England, 30-year-old Nathan Bennett, a nursery worker from Corston near Bath, has been found guilty of heinous sexual crimes against young children. The verdict, delivered at Bristol Crown Court on February 9, 2026, marks the end of a harrowing trial but the beginning of a long road to justice for the affected families. Bennett's conviction on two counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault, and two counts of assault by penetration involves five boys, all aged two or three, who were under his care at the Partou King Street Nursery in Bristol.
The Crimes and the Investigation
Bennett began his employment at the nursery in July 2024, quickly ingratiating himself into the daily routines of the toddlers. However, what should have been a safe haven for these vulnerable children turned into a place of unimaginable horror. Prior to his formal arrest in August 2025, concerns about Bennett's behavior had been mounting among staff and parents alike. Nursery manager Victoria Tutton played a pivotal role in exposing the abuse when she reviewed CCTV footage in February 2025, capturing Bennett placing his hands down a child's trousers. This disturbing discovery prompted an immediate report to Avon and Somerset Police, igniting a six-month investigation that uncovered a pattern of predatory actions.
The court heard chilling details of Bennett's conduct. Staff testified that he would seat children on his lap for extended periods, displaying an unusual 'territorial' possessiveness over certain toddlers and even their parents. One practitioner, Elizabeth Burton, described Bennett's 'jealous attachment' to five specific children, noting how he would 'take control' of them during activities. Adding to the red flags, Bennett was observed wearing trousers with holes in the crotch area, a detail that prosecutors argued facilitated his assaults.
Bennett had already pleaded guilty to 13 additional sexual offense charges involving four of the boys before the trial commenced. During the proceedings, which spanned four days of evidence, the jury viewed video interviews with two of the victims, referred to as Child A and Child E. In a particularly poignant moment, Child E's mother recounted how her son demonstrated the abuse he had suffered, reenacting the trauma at home. These accounts painted a picture of systematic exploitation, with the prosecutor, Virginia Cornwall, labeling the events as 'every parent's nightmare'—a betrayal of trust by someone entrusted with nurturing the youngest members of society.
The Trial and Bennett's Defense
The jury deliberated on Friday afternoon before reaching their guilty verdicts. In his defense, Bennett denied any sexual attraction to children, claiming his actions were an attempt to 'emulate' abuse he had suffered as a child himself. This assertion, however, did little to sway the court, as the evidence—from CCTV to witness testimonies and the children's own words—overwhelmingly pointed to deliberate and predatory behavior.
The trial's emotional weight was palpable, with warnings issued about the distressing nature of the details presented. Avon and Somerset Police's investigation, led by Detective Inspector Lucy Forde, was described as 'deeply challenging and distressing' for all involved. Forde emphasized the team's commitment to supporting the victims and their families throughout the process, highlighting the complexities of building a case around such young witnesses.
Impact on Families and the Nursery
The fallout from Bennett's crimes extends far beyond the courtroom. The Partou King Street Nursery, once a bustling center for early childhood education, shuttered its doors in December 2025, a direct consequence of the scandal. Families of the victims, represented by the law firm Leigh Day, expressed profound devastation in a joint statement. 'Nothing can begin to explain the shock, anger, and heartbreak we feel—or the profound and lasting impact this will have on our families,' they said. The children, described as 'innocent and completely vulnerable,' were placed in an environment meant to be safe, only for safeguarding systems to fail 'catastrophically.'
Key questions linger: What background checks were conducted on Bennett? How did early warning signs go unheeded? The families are demanding transparency and accountability, pushing for a thorough examination of hiring and monitoring practices in nurseries across the UK.
Partou's Response and Broader Implications
Partou, the nursery chain, issued a statement conveying their shock and distress. 'We have robust safeguarding policies and practices in place, which have been followed throughout,' a spokesperson affirmed. Following an independent review, the company has implemented strengthened measures and pledged to collaborate with the sector and government on initiatives to enhance child safety in all nursery settings. This case underscores a national concern: despite regulations like DBS checks and staff training, predators can still infiltrate trusted institutions.
Experts in child protection have called for urgent reforms, including mandatory CCTV in all play areas, enhanced whistleblower protections for staff, and more rigorous psychological assessments for those working with young children. The NSPCC, while not directly quoted in court proceedings, has long advocated for zero-tolerance approaches to such risks, and this verdict may catalyze policy discussions in Parliament.
Looking Ahead: Justice and Prevention
As Bennett awaits sentencing, the focus shifts to healing and prevention. The guilty verdict offers some closure, but the scars on these young lives—and their families—will endure. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the sacred trust placed in childcare providers. In Bristol and beyond, communities are rallying for change, ensuring that no child suffers 'every parent's nightmare' again. Avon and Somerset Police continue to support ongoing inquiries, while advocacy groups like Leigh Day vow to fight for systemic improvements.
The road to recovery will be arduous, but stories like this also highlight resilience. Parents' vigilance, staff bravery, and police diligence have brought a monster to justice. For now, the emphasis must be on fortifying defenses against those who would exploit innocence, turning horror into a catalyst for safer tomorrows.
