FORMER Crewe Alexandra youth coach Barry Bennell has been charged with eight child sex offences, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.

Bennell, a youth coach who worked for Crewe, Manchester City, Stoke and several junior teams in north-west England and the Midlands, is accused of various sexual offences against a boy under the age of 14.

On September 27, the CPS received a file of evidence from Cheshire Police relating to allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse involving Bennell, 62.

The offences are alleged to have been committed between 1981 and 1985.

A CPS spokesman said: “The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Bennell will now begin and that he has a right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Bennell is due to appear at South Cheshire Magistrates’ Court on December 14. He is charged with five counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14, two counts of inciting a boy under 14 to commit an act of gross indecency, and one count of assault with intent to commit buggery.

The news comes after Bennell was taken to hospital after being found unconscious on Friday.

A Thames Valley Police statement said: “Police officers attended an address in Knebworth Park, Stevenage, just before 11pm on Friday November 25 in connection with a fear for welfare incident.

“A 62-year-old man was located and was taken to hospital in order to receive medical treatment, where he remains.

“At this stage of enquiries, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”