Damien Bendall trial: High Court judge considers further adjournment
and live on Freeview channel 276
Mr Justice Sweeney was told this morning by Bendall’s defence team how various tests forming an important part of the defendant’s case had still not been completed.
He told Vanessa Marshall KC, who represents Bendall: “The families of the deceased deserve to understand why we’re effectively no further forward.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe case - which has now been adjourned three times – was first listed for trial in March, however it was adjourned until May and further adjourned until today.
Bendall, 32, is accused of raping and murdering 11-year-old Lacey Bennett, killing her brother John, 13, and Lacey's friend Connie Gent, 11.
He is also said to have murdered his partner Terri Harris, 35, who was mum to Lacey and John at their home on Chandos Crescent, Killamarsh, in September last year.
This morning Derby Crown Court heard how arrangements for medical scans and other procedures had been held-up due to logistical and potential “aftercare” difficulties at Wakefield Prison – where Bendall remains on remand.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdA hospital refused to carry out a scan required by the defence due to concerns about the safety of the procedure and another important procedure was further cancelled several times due to a senior hospital consultant being unavailable.
Bendall’s barrister Ms Marshall told the judge: “Everything that could have gone wrong has gone wrong despite the Herculean efforts of my instructing solicitor.”
The adjournment application hearing continues at Derby Crown Court this afternoon.