was one akin to employment, but the club denied this. during the seven week trial, barry bennell gave two days of evidence from his prison where he is serving a 34 year sentence. that is for sexual offences against children. the decision to call him as a witness was described as callous, although the club s insurer said they were obliged to call relevant witnesses. today, the high courtjudge said barry bennell was a liar and could not be trusted. in contrast, the judge said claimants had given vivid and compelling, and credible evidence and proved that barry bennell abused them but he said the claims were brought too late to result in a fair trial, and that it had not been shown that manchester city were directly or indirectly liable for bennell s acts of abuse. the lawyer for the men said they were shocked and dismayed and they will be appealing. manchester city have apologised to abuse survivors and say they have paid around £4 million as part