Bristol nursery worker guilty of rape and sexual assault of toddlers

A nursery employee has been found guilty of sexually abusing young children in a case described during the trial as “every parent’s nightmare.” Nathan Bennett, who worked at Partou King Street Nursery in Bristol, was convicted of multiple counts including two rapes, four sexual assaults, and two counts of assault by penetration. The offences involved five boys aged two and three years old at the time of the abuse.

Bennett, 30, from Corston near Bath, had previously admitted to 13 additional sexual offence charges concerning four boys, all aged two. His arrest came in August 2025 after a thorough six-month investigation carried out by Avon and Somerset Police. The jury at Bristol Crown Court deliberated following four days of evidence before reaching their verdict.

The case emerged when Bennett, who started working at the nursery in July 2024, was reported after the establishment’s manager, Victoria Tutton, observed CCTV footage showing inappropriate behaviour. Bennett was seen putting his hands down a child’s trousers, which prompted her to contact the authorities, leading to his arrest in February 2025. Subsequently, the Partou King Street Nursery closed in December 2025.

During the trial, prosecution lawyer Virginia Cornwall highlighted that concerns had been raised by both parents and staff about Bennett’s behaviour prior to his arrest. She explained, “A person entrusted to be responsible for your child, care for your child, nurture your child… that abuses that position, that trust, that role, and sexually abuses your child.” Staff testified that Bennett displayed unusual attachments to certain children, often sitting them on his lap for excessive periods and acting possessively. Nursery practitioner Elizabeth Burton described Bennett’s conduct as a “jealous attachment,” as he seemed to “take control” over five specific children.

Video testimonies from two of the children involved, referred to as Child A and Child E, clarified the nature of the abuse. Child E’s mother also gave evidence, demonstrating her son’s account of the assaults. Families who did not witness direct abuse but were affected by the scandal have expressed devastation and are now seeking answers about how these offences could occur under the nursery’s care. They are being supported by the law firm Leigh Day, whose spokesperson stated, “Nothing can begin to explain the shock, anger and heartbreak we feel – or the profound and lasting impact we are sure this will have on families.”

In response, Partou issued a statement expressing shock and distress at the revelations, asserting that they have “robust safeguarding policies and practices in place,” which were adhered to throughout the case. The company reported having strengthened its safeguarding protocols following an independent review and pledged to collaborate with the childcare sector and government to enhance safety in nursery settings.

Detective Inspector Lucy Forde of Avon and Somerset Police acknowledged the emotional difficulty of the investigation. She recognized the anxiety felt by numerous families with children who attended the nursery during the relevant period and assured that those affected were kept informed. DI Forde encouraged anyone with concerns to contact the police via a dedicated child protection team accessible through the Avon and Somerset website.

Judge William Hart, presiding over the case, indicated that Bennett would receive a lengthy custodial sentence following sentencing scheduled for 16 March. He remarked on the particular gravity of the case, noting, “These are the youngest children I have had to deal with in many, many years,” and highlighted the significance of Child E’s testimony, possibly the youngest recorded witness in such a trial in the country. Judge Hart also thanked the jury for their careful handling of this distressing matter. Bennett remains in custody as he awaits sentencing

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