Quadruple murder accused in crown court appearance
MAN IS CHARGED WITH KILLING THREE CHILDREN AND A WOMAN
THE man accused of murdering three children and one woman in Killamarsh, Derbyshire, last weekend has appeared at Derby Crown Court.
Damien Bendall appeared via video link from HMP Wakefield, a Category A prison, for the short preliminary hearing yesterday.
Dressed in a grey prison issue tracksuit, he spoke only to confirm his name as a date period was set for his trial, which will take place between March 1 and May 22, 2022.
The 31-year-old is accused of killing Terri Harris, 35, her two children John Paul Bennett, 13, and Lacey Bennett, 11, as well as Lacey’s friend Connie Gent, 11. Their bodies were found at a home in Chandos Crescent on the morning of Sunday, September 19.
Overseeing the hearing, Judge Nirmal Shant QC, Honorary Recorder for Derby, said the trial would take place at Derby Crown Court and be heard by a High Court judge.
Judge Shant said: “A trial date has been set to take place between March 1 and May 22, next year.”
She also added that a pre-trial preparation hearing (PTPH), where the facts of the case are prepared for trial, would take place on November 26.
She said: “It seems the sooner the court knows what the issues are, the better”.
The PTPH will take place at either Nottingham or Derby Crown Court, with Bendall yet to enter a plea.
Duncan Penny QC, prosecuting, said: “I know your honour will have read the details of the allegations. As you will appreciate, it is a very complex scene and there are complicated ongoing forensic enquiries.”
Proceedings were delayed as Bendall required a conference with his barrister, Vanessa Marshall QC.
Judge Shant concluded the hearing after around 15 minutes, with Bendall to stay remanded in custody following his appearance at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.