Nursery Worker Jailed 24 Years for Raping, Abusing Toddlers

A nursery worker in Bristol, England, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for raping and sexually abusing young children in his care, a case that has shocked families and renewed calls for stronger child safeguarding measures.

Nathan Bennett, 30, was convicted on multiple charges, including two counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault, and two counts of assault by penetration. The offences involved five boys aged two to three years at the Partou King Street Nursery, which closed in December 2025 following the revelations. Bennett had previously admitted 13 related sexual offences against four of the children.

The abuse came to light in February 2025 after CCTV footage showed Bennett putting his hands down a child’s trousers, prompting the nursery to alert police. Prosecutors described his actions as “every parent’s worst nightmare,” emphasizing that he betrayed the trust of parents and exploited his position of authority over vulnerable children.

During the trial, disturbing evidence emerged that Bennett behaved territorially with toddlers, often sitting them on his lap for long periods, and wore trousers with holes in the crotch area. Video interviews of two victims, identified as Child A and Child E, revealed the harrowing experiences of the children, including how they described the abuse to their parents.

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Passing sentence, Judge William Hart called Bennett an “incorrigible and dangerous paedophile”, stating that it was impossible to predict if he would ever cease posing a risk to children. The judge said Bennett prioritized his sexual gratification over the safety and wellbeing of the toddlers and highlighted the long-lasting impact his crimes would have on the victims and their families.

Bennett will serve 24 years in prison with an additional six years on licence and will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, alongside an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order restricting contact with children and childcare settings.

Families affected described the profound psychological and emotional toll of the abuse. In victim impact statements, parents spoke of betrayal, guilt, and lasting trauma, while other families associated with the nursery said they were devastated by the horrific acts despite their children not being abused.

Child protection advocates emphasized the case highlights gaps in safeguarding within childcare settings and called for improved screening, supervision, and CCTV monitoring to prevent similar incidents in the future. Legal representatives for the families have indicated they may pursue civil action against the nursery group to hold it accountable.

The case has renewed discussions on the urgent need for stricter child protection policies, better training of childcare staff, and swift investigation of early warning signs to ensure the safety of vulnerable children.

Nursery Worker Jailed 24 Years for Raping, Abusing Toddlers

Saudi Intercepts 63 Drones as Iran Denies Responsibility, Blames US, Israel

RIYADH/LONDON – Iran launched a new wave of drone attacks on Saudi Arabia on Monday, intensifying the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region, while its ambassador to Riyadh denied Tehran’s responsibility, claiming “enemies” of Iran were behind the strikes.

According to the Saudi Defense Ministry, about 63 hostile drones were fired at the Eastern Province and Riyadh, all of which were intercepted and destroyed. Ministry spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki confirmed the attacks on X (formerly Twitter), noting that the strikes follow a pattern of nightly drone attacks interspersed with daytime lulls.

The latest attacks bring the total number of intercepted drones in Saudi Arabia to over 230, alongside more than 30 missiles shot down since the conflict began in late February. Neighboring Gulf states have also reported high numbers of intercepted missiles and drones: Bahrain intercepted 125 missiles and 203 drones, recording two fatalities, while the UAE engaged 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,600 drones, with six deaths. In Dubai, civil defense teams contained a fire at Dubai International Airport caused by a drone impact, temporarily suspending airport operations.

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Earlier, Iran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, shared a notice attributed to Iran’s military command claiming that “the enemy” was deploying drones disguised as Iranian-made Shahed drones, under the name “Lucas drone.” He reiterated that Iran only targets U.S. and Israeli interests in the region and denied responsibility for strikes on civilian or Gulf state infrastructure, including Saudi oil facilities at Ras Tanura and Shaybah.

Enayati said Iran’s relations with Gulf countries will require a “serious review”, urging deeper cooperation among GCC states, Iraq, and Iran, while cautioning against the involvement of external powers. He stressed that the ongoing conflict had been “imposed on Iran and the region” and called for the United States and Israel to halt attacks, with international guarantees to prevent recurrence, allowing the region to focus on prosperity and security.

The Iranian envoy’s remarks, however, drew criticism online, with observers questioning why Tehran had not clarified its position sooner and highlighting the risk to civilians, such as the woman and child killed in Bahrain and Kuwait.

The recent drone attacks follow weeks of escalating hostilities, which have targeted ports, airports, energy facilities, and civilian areas across the Gulf. On Wednesday, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution condemning Iranian attacks on Gulf countries and Jordan, demanding that Tehran immediately cease hostilities, with 13 of 15 members voting in favor.

Saudi authorities have stressed their commitment to protecting the Kingdom’s airspace, sea routes, and critical infrastructure, as the conflict shows no sign of abating.

Saudi Intercepts 63 Drones as Iran Denies Responsibility, Blames US, Israel

Drone Attack Hits UAE Port Again, Forces Suspension of Oil Loading

A drone strike hit the Fujairah Port in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday, sparking a major fire at one of the country’s key petroleum facilities. Civil defence teams responded promptly, containing the blaze with no injuries reported, the Fujairah Media Office confirmed.

Authorities were forced to suspend oil loading operations, disrupting activities at one of the world’s most important oil bunkering and export hubs. Officials noted that this marks another attack in recent days, following a separate strike on Saturday, highlighting the vulnerability of UAE’s energy infrastructure.

Fujairah sits at the terminus of the Habshan–Fujairah pipeline, part of the Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline system, which spans 248 miles and transports 1.5 million barrels of oil per day, with a capacity of 1.8 million barrels. The pipeline allows the UAE to export crude outside the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital chokepoint.

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The attacks come amid escalating regional tensions after the February 28 U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that U.S. assets in the UAE, including ports, docks, and military sites, could be targeted, while state media urged residents near Fujairah, Jebel Ali, and Khalifa ports to evacuate due to military activity.

Earlier on Monday, a separate drone strike hit a fuel depot near Dubai International Airport, causing a fire and temporarily disrupting flights. These incidents underscore growing concerns over the security of civilian and industrial infrastructure in the UAE.

Energy experts warn that repeated drone strikes on Fujairah Port could have serious repercussions for global oil supply and prices if disruptions continue. With the port handling a significant share of UAE crude exports, ongoing instability threatens to impact international energy markets.

UAE authorities are assessing the damage and reviewing security protocols to protect critical infrastructure as tensions in the Middle East remain high.

Drone Attack Hits UAE Port Again, Forces Suspension of Oil Loading