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
Source: BBC
In other news – King Charles III Gives Kate Middleton a New Title
Kate Middleton is expanding her royal role. Three months after being given the title of Princess of Wales by King Charles III.
the 40-year-old has been made an honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards, a title previously given to her husband d Prince William more than 10 years ago, per the Evening Standard, citing the Buckingham Palace. William was the Irish Guards’ first Royal Colonel. Learn more
