Quadruple murderer Damien Bendall 'smashes fellow inmate's skull with claw hammer'

Brute who murdered his pregnant partner and her children has allegedly smashed a fellow inmate's skull with a claw hammer.

Damien Bendall is serving a whole-life sentence after killing Terri Harris, 35, her two children John Bennett, 13, Lacey Bennett, 11, and Lacey's friend Connie Gent, 11, in 2021.

The violent murderer, 32, admitted killing the four victims and raping Lacey at Derby Crown Court in 2022.

The whole-life order means that he will never be released from prison and will die behind bars.

The Chronicle reports, how Bendall has now reportedly left a fellow prisoner at Frankland prison fighting for his life after "battering" him with a claw hammer and "smashing" his skull, during a jail workshop.

They have reported that the male victim was bludgeoned three or four times and may not survive, following the attack on Friday.

Durham Constabulary said the victim was rushed to hospital to be treated for his injuries. He is understood to still be receiving medical treatment.

A spokesperson for the force said: "An investigation is under way following a serious assault which occurred at Frankland prison, Durham on Friday (May 10). The victim was taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries. Enquiries are now ongoing."

A Prison Service spokesperson added: "We cannot comment on a live police investigation but prisoners who are violent face tough punishments."

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