Father of killed girl issues plea to estranged parents

THE father of a girl who was killed while sleeping over at a friend’s house has urged “arguing” couples not to stop their children from seeing a parent.

The bodies of John Paul Bennett, 13, Lacey Bennett, 11, their mother Terri Harris, 35, and Lacey’s friend Connie Gent, 11, were discovered at a property in Killamarsh, near Sheffield, on Sunday morning.

Derbyshire Police said the murder suspect, a 31-year-old man named locally as Damien Bendall, was detained at the property and had self-inflicted minor injuries.

Charlie Gent, Connie’s father, paid tribute to his daughter, writing a Facebook post telling parents to “spend as much time with your kids as you possibly can”.

“If you’re a parent and arguing, please don’t stop that child from seeing the other parent,” he wrote.

“You never know what’s round the corner. I’ve learnt the hard way, like most things in life, and it’s too late.”

Mr Gent continued: “I don’t want anyone to ever go through what I am going through right now. My little girl has gone. I can’t even put into words or even how to feel or react right now.

“Fly safe baby girl. I love you with all my heart and always will. Going to miss you like crazy.” The three children found dead at the property were pupils at Outwood Academy City in Sheffield and the school paid tribute to them in a statement issued yesterday.

It said: “We are all devastated at the loss of three of our students; John Paul Bennett, Lacey Bennett and Connie Gent. Our hearts are broken after this weekend’s tragic news, and we would like to offer our deepest sympathies and condolences on behalf of everyone at Outwood Academy City to the families of those affected.

“The children had bright futures ahead of them but sadly none of us will get to see this. The school community will remember them fondly.”

The statement continued: “Lacey and Connie had just embarked on their secondary school journey with us and already made a positive impression on everyone they came into contact with.

“John Paul was a popular and polite young man, well-liked by staff and with a close-knit group of friends.”

Det Ch Insp Sally Blaiklock, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain with the families of Terri, John Paul, Lacey and Connie – as well as the communities that have been affected by this most tragic of incidents.

“Local residents will see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.”