Barry Bennell to appeal prison sentence

Paedophile former Crewe Alexandra football coach is seeking reduction in his 30 year sentence for abusing young boys.

Convicted paedophile football coach Barry Bennell is to have his 30 year prison term reviewed by the Court of Appeal.

The former Crewe Alex coach was convicted in February of 50 historical sexual offences, commited between 1979 and 1991 against 12 boys.

During his trial Bennell was described to have carried out abuse on an "industrial scale", and was labelled the "devil incarnate" by Judge Clement Goldstone.

Liverpool Crown Court heard how Bennell, 64, had a "power hold" over his victims, all young, aspiring footballers.

Bennell has previously served three jail terms, totaling 15 years, for similar offences that involved 16 other victims.

He appeared via videolink from HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes during his trial due to ill health. Bennell has sufferd with cancer in the past and had operations to remove tumors from his tongue in 2004 and again in 2016. He was also said to be taking anti-anxiety medication.

His bid to challenge his sentence will be heard by three leading judges in London today.