Gary Speed ‘among four men coached by Barry Bennell who took own life’

Gary Speed was one of four men coached by Barry Bennell who went on to take their own lives, a court has heard.

Giving evidence at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, a victim of the former youth team football coach said he tried to contact Speed’s parents after the Wales manager hanged himself in 2011, aged 42.

The victim – who Bennell admitted abusing in 1998, when he was jailed for nine years – said he wanted to get in touch with the ex-Premier League midfielder’s parents because he had read in the media that they had not been able to get closure as they had no explanation for his death.

“Four people from teams I have played with, with Bennell, have taken their own lives,” he told the court.

“Whether they have taken their lives due to Barry solely I don’t know but all I know is how it’s had an impact on me and how it could impact on other people.”

Speaking about his efforts to contact other alleged victims of the 64-year-old, the victim told the court: “When people are breaking down on the phone, on the verge of suicide, when you hear of people who have taken their own lives…”

He said he knew of former youth players who had been left “destitute” and with alcohol problems as a result of the alleged abuse by Bennell – and that there was an ongoing civil case against Manchester City.

But the victim told the court it was about “justice” and not compensation.

“I’m sick to death of this being part of my life and I just want to put it to bed once and for all,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the court heard from a complainant who said senior officials at Manchester City had been aware of abuse carried out by Bennell, who scouted players for several junior sides associated with the club.

The victim said he was abused by Bennell more than 100 times during a four-year stint with one of the teams.

He claimed chief scout Ken Barnes, who died in 2010, had known about the abuse.

“I want an apology off Manchester City and anyone else, if possible,” he told the court.

Bennell – who is appearing in court via video-link due to illness – denies 48 counts of child sex abuse against 11 complainants, with alleged offences having taken place between 1979 and 1990.

The trial continues.

(c) Sky News 2018: Gary Speed ‘among four men coached by Barry Bennell who took own life’