Former football coach Barry Bennell has been charged with eight offences of sexual assault against a boy under the age of 14.
FA launch review into sex abuse allegations
Previously affiliated with clubs such as Crewe Alexandra and Manchester City, Bennell has been at the centre of a shocking sex abuse scandal in recent weeks, with a number of former players waiving anonymity to reveal they were abused by him.
The initial revelation by ex-Sheffield United player Andy Woodward led to several allegations of former youth players being abused by coaches, with Bennell the central figure in many claims.
Bennell was sentenced to nine years in prison in 1998 after he admitted sexual offences against six boys and the 62-year-old has since been handed a further two sentences for charges relating to child abuse.
The latest charges come after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) received a file from Cheshire Police relating to allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse involving Bennell.
In a statement, a CPS spokesperson said: "On 27 September 2016, the Crown Prosecution Service received a file of evidence from Cheshire Police relating to allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse involving a former football coach, Barry Bennell.
The heartbreaking truth behind child abuse in UK football
Former football coach Barry Bennell has today been charged with eight offences of sexual assault. Details: https://t.co/6lSTB92U7Z
— CPS (@cpsuk) November 29, 2016
"Following a review of the evidence, in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, Mr Bennell, 62, has today been charged with eight offences of sexual assault against a boy under the age of 14.
Child abuse claims to be reviewed by Crewe Alexandra
"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."
The charges include five counts of indecent assault on a boy aged under 14, two counts of inciting a boy under 14 to commit an act of gross indecency, and assault with intent to commit buggery.
The former coach was hospitalised in recent days after he was found unconscious on Friday .