Sheffield man will stand trial for four murders
An alleged killer charged with the murders of a mother and three children will stand trial in October, a court heard.
Damien Bendall, 32, allegedly murdered 11-year-old Lacey Bennett, her brother John Paul Bennett, 13, their mother Terri Harris, 35, and Lacey’s friend Connie Gent, 11, who was at the family’s home for a sleepover.
The four bodies were discovered at a house in Chandos Crescent, Killamarsh, near Sheffield, South Yorkshire, on September 19 last year.
Following the killings Jason Bennett had posted a tribute to his son and daughter, John and Lacey, online and went to the site of the tragedy to lay flowers.
Bendall, of Chandos Crescent, Killamarsh, is also charged with the rape of Lacey.
He was due to stand trial at Derby Crown Court next Monday (9) but the date was changed.
During a short hearing at the Old Bailey today (thurs) Bendall appeared in court via video-link from HMP Wakefield wearing a grey prison tracksuit.
Vanessa Marshall, QC, defending, said: ‘This is an application to break fixture for trial which is due to be heard before your lordship on the 9th of May so next Monday.’
Mr Justice Sweeney said: ‘How we got into this mess, because mess it is, is not something to take time on today though that will come at some point.
‘The timetable that I am going to set is one that is going to be complied with.
‘In terms of a trial date there is a date available on the 4th of October.’
Bendall was remanded in custody ahead of his trial at Derby Crown Court provisionally fixed for 4 October.
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