Author Bio
Early Life and Football Career
David Lean is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse within English football who went on to play for Preston North End reserves during the mid-1980s.
Speaking Out and Seeking Justice
Determined that his truth would not be sugar-coated, David describes in detail what truly happened to him, the immediate and lasting effects it had, and how the justice system failed to support him.
Unable to forget or forgive the abuse he suffered at the age of 12, David drew on his tenacious attitude and strong family values to expose the widespread nature of abuse within football and sport, both in England and globally.
David’s battle for justice began after he disclosed his abuse to Cheshire police, shortly after the loss of his mother in 2013. This marked the beginning of a prolonged fight, culminating in changes to prosecution guidance in England, ultimately allowing his abuser—Barry Bennell, a previously convicted Manchester City and Crewe Alexandra youth coach—to be convicted. Since then, David has campaigned to raise awareness of childhood sexual abuse, a struggle that has profoundly impacted his mental health.
Impact and Legacy
The conviction of Bennell in May 2015 served as the catalyst for exposing the sexual abuse scandal within football, which gained national attention in November 2016.
The release of his book, “Public Interest”, marks the tenth anniversary of the story breaking. For David, publishing this account has been essential for both closure and for the public to understand the truth. Though the process has been extremely challenging, he views it as immensely worthwhile.
Community Work and Personal Life
David is proud to have dedicated over forty years to his local community in Fylde, working with various charities to support both adults and children and enhance their lives.
He now resides in Chorley, Lancashire with his supportive wife, Teresa, and their beloved spaniel, Roco.
Since 2016, David has qualified and established his own BACP-registered, person-centred counselling practice, “Lean My Way Counselling”, of which he is very proud.
Synopsis
Public Interest” – English footballs biggest scandal
This is David Lean’s true story of one man’s fight against a broken justice system in England that led to the eventual conviction of British sport’s most prolific child sex offender.
A family holiday to Pwllheli, North Wales, led David to a chance encounter with Butlins resident football coach Barry Bennell. Bennell had connections to Manchester City Football Club and the key to open David’s door to professional football, he held a position of trust, was a former Chelsea youth player, and an incredible junior coach, loved by boys and parents alike. Bennell was 24 years of age.
Bennell was the most unlikely paedophile you could ever imagine.
By 1980, David’s parents and David had been groomed enough to allow him to attend a two night stay-over with Bennell, to attend a football course, where he was then sexually abused over two nights. David was just 12 at the time.
When Ex-Preston North End reserve team player David finally found the strength after the loss of his mother, to disclose the sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of Bennell, he always believed there would be 100s more survivors. He was right.
David tells how after a weak police investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) incredibly found it NOT in the public interest to prosecute an already previously convicted serial sex offender, he struggled to cope. After being informed the CPS evidence test had been met, and Lean being deemed a credible witness, Lean looked for avenues to appeal without success, until he was informed about the National Child sexual abuse review panel.
Finally, after the successful conviction of Bennell, in May 2015, other survivors became aware and found the courage to disclose to police. 100s of men came forward from within football and other sports to disclose, seek justice and find much needed support.
This is David’s truth, what really happened and why it was always in the Public Interest !
Get the latest Troubador articles, news and events sent directly to your inbox.
