A coroner has ruled that a series of probation service failures contributed to the murders of a mother and three children in Cambridgeshire. Damien Bendall, who was on probation at the time, killed Terri Harris, her son John Bennett, her daughter Lacey Bennett, and their friend Connie Gent in 2021.
The coroner emphasized that Bendall was primarily responsible for the murders but highlighted significant failures by the probation service, including missed reports about threats Bendall made and a lack of oversight in his supervision.
Bendall had a history of violent offenses, including allegations of domestic abuse and inappropriate contact with a young girl in care, which were not adequately addressed by the probation service.
The families of the victims called for decisive action to address these issues. The coroner will prepare a report outlining concerns to prevent future deaths, requiring the probation service to take action.