Killamarsh: murder suspect further charged with raping one of the girls he’s accused of killing

Damien Bendall is accused of murdering four people in Killamarsh, he’s now been further charged with raping one of the girls he’s alleged to have killed
Karen Roberts
By Karen Roberts
26th Nov 2021, 3:42pm

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A man accused of murdering a mother and three children has been further charged with raping one of the girls he’s alleged to have killed.

Damien Bendall, 31, is now alleged to have raped and murdered 11-year-old Lacey Bennett, as well as being accused of killing her brother John Paul Bennett, 13, their mother Terri Harris, 35, and Lacey’s friend Connie Gent, 11.

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The charges come after four bodies were discovered at a house in Chandos Crescent, Killamarsh, near Sheffield, South Yorkshire, on 19 September.

Bendall was due before Nottingham Crown Court on Friday for a plea hearing, but the case was adjourned to 4 January at the crown court in Derby.

The murder charges allege he killed all four on a day between Friday September 17 and Monday, 20 September.

Top L-R: Terri Harris and John Paul Bennett, and bottom L-R: Connie Gent and Lacey Bennett were all found dead at a house on Chandos Crescent in KillamarshTop L-R: Terri Harris and John Paul Bennett, and bottom L-R: Connie Gent and Lacey Bennett were all found dead at a house on Chandos Crescent in Killamarsh
Top L-R: Terri Harris and John Paul Bennett, and bottom L-R: Connie Gent and Lacey Bennett were all found dead at a house on Chandos Crescent in Killamarsh

Bendall charged with rape after evidence review

In a statement, the CPS said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised a further charge for Damien Bendall, 31, after reviewing a file of evidence from Derbyshire Police. He has now been charged with rape of a girl under 13.

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“Mr Bendall was previously charged with four counts of murder in relation to an incident in Killamarsh, Derbyshire.

“The additional charge was today confirmed to the court at a hearing held at Nottingham Crown Court.

“All are reminded that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has the 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.”

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Related topics:SheffieldSouth YorkshirePolice