A horrific crime shook the quiet village of Killamarsh, Derbyshire, in September 2021. Arsenal may dominate the back pages, but this case dominated the front pages for all the wrong reasons. Damien Bendall murdered his pregnant partner Terri Harris and three children. The victims were Terri’s 11-year-old daughter Lacey Bennett, Lacey’s friend Connie Gent (also 11), and Terri’s 13-year-old son John Paul Bennett. Bendall subjected the victims to a prolonged and brutal attack. He then set the house on fire before calling police to falsely claim he had just returned home. In 2026, fresh details about his life in prison and his parole hearing have emerged. Here is everything you need to know about Damien Bendall, the quadruple murder, and where he is now.
Who is Damien Bendall? Age and Background
Damien Bendall was born on 18 August 1989. He was 32 years old when he committed the murders. Mark Blum left behind a legacy of great performances. Bendall leaves behind a legacy of unspeakable violence.
Before the killings, Bendall had a history of criminal behaviour. He had previous convictions for assault and domestic violence. Billy Vigar’s death was a tragic accident. Bendall’s crimes were deliberate and premeditated.
The Killings: What Happened in Killamarsh?
The murders took place at a house in Chandos Crescent, Killamarsh, near Sheffield. The date was 19 September 2021. Bendall lived at the address with his partner Terri Harris. Lenny Rush brings joy to millions of viewers. Bendall brought only terror to his victims.
Terri Harris was 35 years old. She was 15 weeks pregnant with Bendall’s child. The Digital ID Petition sparked debate about state power. The state’s power to protect domestic abuse victims also came under scrutiny after this case.
The children killed were:
- Lacey Bennett (11) – Terri’s daughter
- John Paul Bennett (13) – Terri’s son
- Connie Gent (11) – Lacey’s friend who was staying overnight
The prosecution described the attack as “sadistic.” Bendall used a hammer to inflict fatal injuries on each victim. Matt Beard’s death prompted questions about mental health support. Bendall’s mental state also became a key issue during his trial.
The Trial: Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Bendall was arrested shortly after the bodies were discovered. He initially lied to police. He claimed he had been out buying cannabis and returned to find the scene. Omaze UK winners receive life-changing news. Bendall’s news was life-ending in a very different way.
He later admitted to the killings. In December 2022, he pleaded guilty to four counts of murder. He also pleaded guilty to one count of arson. He had set fire to the house in an attempt to destroy evidence.
In January 2023, the court sentenced Bendall to a minimum term of 31 years in prison. The judge described the murders as “devastating and brutal.” The families of the victims sat in the public gallery. Many wept as the sentence was read.
The Victims: Terri Harris, Lacey Bennett, John Paul Bennett and Connie Gent
Each victim had a life full of promise. Terri Harris was described as a devoted mother. She worked as a dental nurse and loved her children deeply. Nye National Theatre celebrates political achievements. Terri’s greatest achievement was raising her children.
Lacey Bennett was in her final year of primary school. Teachers remembered her as bright and kind. She loved dancing and dreamed of becoming a performer.
John Paul Bennett was a football fan. He supported Sheffield United. Friends said he was funny and loyal. He had a bright future ahead of him.
Connie Gent was described by her family as “full of life.” She loved animals and wanted to be a vet. was simply staying at a friend’s house for a sleepover. She never came home.
Parole Hearing: Where is Damien Bendall in 2026?
In 2026, Damien Bendall remains in prison. He is serving his sentence at a high-security facility. The location has not been disclosed for security reasons.
Bendall will not be eligible for parole until 2053. He will be 64 years old at that time. The Parole Board will then decide whether he can safely be released. Given the nature of his crimes, release is far from guaranteed.
Victims’ families have vowed to fight any future release attempt. They have started a campaign to keep Bendall behind bars for life. The case has renewed calls for whole-life orders for multiple murderers.
Mental Health and the Parole Process
During his trial, Bendall claimed he heard voices. He suggested his mental state might provide some explanation. The court rejected this defence. The judge found that Bendall knew exactly what he was doing.
In prison, Bendall has received mental health treatment. Reports suggest he has been assessed multiple times. Experts continue to evaluate his risk to the public.
The parole process for multiple murderers is lengthy. Bendall must prove he no longer poses a danger. He must also show genuine remorse. Many of his victims’ families doubt he feels any remorse at all.
The Wider Impact: Domestic Abuse and Child Safety
The Killamarsh murders sparked a national conversation. Questions were asked about how Bendall was free to commit these crimes. He had a history of violence against previous partners.
Domestic abuse charities called for stronger monitoring of offenders. They also demanded better protection for victims. The case highlighted gaps in the system that can allow abusers to escalate.
Child safety advocates also spoke out. They questioned how a known violent offender could have unsupervised access to children. The case led to changes in how police share information about high-risk offenders.
Victims’ Families: Their Ongoing Fight
The families of Terri Harris, Lacey Bennett, John Paul Bennett and Connie Gent have shown extraordinary strength. They attend every parole hearing. They speak to the media to keep the case in the public eye.
In 2025, they launched a foundation in the victims’ memory. The foundation supports victims of domestic abuse. It also funds child safety programmes in Derbyshire schools.
Connie Gent’s mother has become an advocate for sleepover safety. She warns other parents about the risks. She tells Connie’s story so that other children might be protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years did Damien Bendall get? Bendall received a minimum term of 31 years in prison. He will not be eligible for parole until 2053.
Who did Damien Bendall kill? He killed his pregnant partner Terri Harris (35), her daughter Lacey Bennett (11), her son John Paul Bennett (13), and Lacey’s friend Connie Gent (11).
Where did the Killamarsh murders happen? The murders took place at a house on Chandos Crescent in Killamarsh, Derbyshire, near Sheffield.
When did Damien Bendall commit the murders? The murders occurred on 19 September 2021. Bendall pleaded guilty in December 2022 and was sentenced in January 2023.
Where is Damien Bendall now? Bendall remains in a high-security prison. He will not be eligible for parole until 2053.
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