Killamarsh murders: Deputy PM orders probation service review

The deputy prime minister has ordered a review into how probation officers handled the case of a man who murdered a pregnant woman and three children while serving a suspended sentence.

Damien Bendall was given a whole-life term for killing Terri Harris, her children John Paul and Lacey Bennett, and their friend Connie Gent.

He also admitted raping Lacey in the attack in Derbyshire last year.

The 32-year-old had been serving a 24-month suspended sentence for arson.

Bendall used a claw hammer to murder his four victims at a house in Killamarsh on 18 September 2021.

He admitted all charges at Derby Crown Court on Wednesday and was sentenced on the same day.

Bendall had been living with Ms Harris at the house where the attacks took place and was already in the probation system for attempted robbery, robbery and grievous bodily harm convictions.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson confirmed a review of how Bendall was handled by the probation service would be carried out at the request of Dominic Raab.

They said: “These were appalling crimes and our thoughts remain with the victims’ families.

“The Deputy Prime Minister asked the Chief Inspector of Probation to conduct a review of this case and we will respond further once this is published.”

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