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Mum of Bennell victim: He groomed me too

Ian Ackley was about eight or nine when he met Barry Bennell, now known as Richard Jones.

Bennell befriended Ian’s whole family, who had no idea what was happening.

Ian’s mum Barbara said she felt like she was groomed by Bennell too.

She said: β€œHe just came over so friendly, I never could have imagined he could do anything like that”.

Barbara used to take Bennell’s dog for walks, and invited him for Sunday lunch. She said she now finds it hard to trust people.

Ian Ackley was the first footballer to speak out about abuse by Barry Bennell, and appeared as a witness in Bennell's 1998 court case.

Ian and his mum Barbara spoke to 5 live’s Stephen Nolan.

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Duration:

5 minutes

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