Former Crewe Alexandra youth football coach Barry Bennell is to appeal against his 31-year sentence for child sexual abuse.

Less than 2 months ago, Bennell was convicted of sexual offences against 12 boys and was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court. He is due to serve 15 years in custody with the rest on licence.

His application, already lodged with the Court of Appeal will seek to reduce the length of time that he will spend in custody and is based on health-related grounds.

This news will undoubtedly cause unease amongst his victims, many of who bravely took to the stand during the recent trial.

Here at Farleys we frequently receive new enquiries from historical and more recent victims of child sexual abuse. We are often the first point of contact and our specialist team are able to offer confidential advice in relation to the options available to those who have been or who know someone who has been abused.

If you wish to discuss anything in relation to the issues mentioned above, please contact us on our Abuse Line 0330 134 6430 or via one of the other options available on our website.