In formal sentencing remarks from the bench, His Honour Judge Hart directly addressed Bennett, calling him an “incorrigible and dangerous paedophile” who had been “lurking ready” to abuse children and “pollute their innocence with your own vile desires.”
The judge’s comments set out his view of the risk posed to very young children and the lasting harm described by families through victim impact statements.
He continued: “Because sexual interest in such very young children is thankfully very uncommon I find it impossible to predict how long you will remain such a danger.”
Judge Hart highlighted the distress of parents and the enduring effect on the children, saying one victim’s recollection six months later suggests “the abuse will live with him.” He added: “Even if some of the children have no memory what happened, the parents will never forget,” and, “The victim impact statements speak of their torment and how their lives have been contaminated by what you did.”
“Lurking ready” to abuse children and “pollute their innocence with your own vile desires.”
What the court heard, in the judge’s words
- “Incorrigible and dangerous paedophile.”
- “Lurking ready” to abuse children.
- Risk so unusual that it is “impossible to predict” its duration.
- Parents’ distress and a child’s memory six months on showing “the abuse will live with him.”
- Victim impact statements describe “torment” and lives “contaminated.”
How these remarks fit within sentencing
Sentencing remarks in open court explain a judge’s reasoning and the factors considered in determining punishment and risk management. They form part of the public record of the case and are a key mechanism by which courts demonstrate transparency and accountability in the exercise of judicial power.
Victim impact statements, permitted to inform a court’s understanding of harm, are presented to judges so they can assess consequences for those affected. Such statements do not determine guilt but provide evidence of impact that can lawfully influence sentencing decisions, including assessments of future risk and the need for protective measures.
In England and Wales, these decisions are framed by statutory sentencing purposes set out in the Criminal Justice Act 2003, which requires courts to balance punishment, deterrence, public protection and rehabilitation. Judges remain independent decision-makers, but they are guided in cases of serious sexual offending by formal guidelines issued by the Sentencing Council.
Status: Judge Hart’s comments were delivered as part of the sentencing process from the bench, summarising the court’s assessment of Bennett’s danger to children and the long-term harm reported by families.
