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A man has admitted to murdering his partner and three children as well as raping one of the children as she lay dying.

Damien Bendall, 32, pleaded guilty to the charges today at Derby Crown Court. Earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his then-partner, Terri Harris and three children at their home in Killamarsh. 

Today at Derby Crown Court, 

However, he denied murdering Terri, her children John Paul Bennett, 13, Lacey Bennett, 11, and Lacey’s friend Connie Gent, also 11, who was on a sleepover at the home in Chandos Crescent, Killamarsh.

Bendall, of the same address, has been charged with murdering all four between Friday, September 17, and Monday, September 18, 2021, Derbyshire Live reports.

He changed his pleas to guilty today, admitting all charges – including the rape of Lacey. Louis Mably KC is prosecuting and Vanessa Marshall KC is defending. Also, Justice Mr Nigel Sweeney is the judge.

Bendall was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital, having been injured prior to the arrival of Derbyshire police.

He was charged with murder on September 22, last year.

Following news of Terri, John, Lacey and Connie’s deaths, tributes poured in. Jason Bennett, the father of two of the children killed, said he was “lost and broken” at the news and described his son John and daughter Lacey as “angels.”

John and Lacey’s grandmother, Debbie Bennett said: “We are just heartbroken. They were beautiful, well-mannered kids. Lacey, 11, was a West Ham fan and John a Sheffield Wednesday fan.”

Connie’s father, Charlie, paid tribute to his “sweet little girl” who was having a sleepover with her friend Lacey. He said: “The hardest thing is I’m not going to get to hold her again”.

More to follow…

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