Who is Killamarsh killer Damien Bendall?

MURDERER Damien Bendall has been sentenced for killing his girlfriend, her children and their friend, before raping one of the girls at a sleepover.

Police were first called to the house on Monday, September 20, 2021, following reports of safety concerns to find Terri Harris, 35, dead at her home along with little John, 13, and Lacey, 11 and pal Connie Gent, 11.

Who is Damien Bendall?

Today, Bendall admitted that he killed Terri and the three young children and raping 11-year-old Lacey.

He was sentenced to a whole life term, meaning that he will die behind bars, as the victims' families cried "yes" in delight.

Mr Justice Sweeney said: "I have no doubt whatsoever, based on the facts of your case considered as a whole, that punishment requires you being kept in prison for the rest of your life."

Louis Mably KC, prosecuting, told the court: "On the night of Saturday 18th September stretching into the early hours of Sunday morning the defendant brutally murdered Terri Harris, who was in the early staged of pregnancy.

"He also murdered Terri's two children by a previous partner. He also murdered Connie Gent, a friend of Lacey's who just happened to be staying at the house for a sleepover.

"The circumstances of the offences are truly hideous. These were brutal and cruel attacks on a woman and three children."

Mr Mabley continued: "The defendant attacked them using a claw hammer.

"He hit them with such ferocity that in essence their skulls were smashed in.

"It was perfectly clear none of the victims stood a chance."

Bendall had met Terri online about 18 months before his crimes.

Their relationship was said to be plagued by his drug use and unstable behaviour and family said they "witnessed in effect a disastrous effect on Terri's wellbeing".

What happened in Killamarsh on September 20, 2021?

Terri, Lacey, and John were found dead alongside pal Connie in their Chandos Crescent home in Killamarsh on September 20, 2021.

Little Lacey and John were having a sleepover when police were called to their home following a report of safety.

Heartbroken dad Jason Bennett later posted videos of the tragic youngsters.

One, which has been dedicated to Jason's "mini me", shows beaming John enjoying himself on a merry-go-round in a playground as Lacey pushes him.

The dad said: "My mini me. My heart and soul of my life. You brought me laughter everyday. A classic you this one."

Connie's devastated dad Charlie has also paid tribute to his daughter, asking: "My Baby Girl whhhhyyy".

He urged parents to spend as much time with their kids "as possible" and said his "world" had been "taken away".

Charlie added: "My little girl has gone I can't even put into words or even how 2 feel or react rite now shouldn't even be writing this."

Connie was enjoying a sleepover with friend Lacey when the horror unfolded.

Where is Killamarsh?

Killamarsh is a town in North East Derbyshire which borders Sheffield and South Yorkshire.

People previously laid flowers at Chandos Crescent, where the victims were found dead at a house on Monday, September 20, 2021.