For the fifth consecutive Christmas, Jason Bennett finds himself unable to call out to his children or search for presents beneath the tree. Instead, he approaches a mantelpiece where only photos of his daughter, Lacey, and son, John, remain. This solemn ritual is a reminder of the tragic events that unfolded on the evening of September 18, 2021, when their lives were violently cut short.
On that fateful night, Damien Bendall brutally murdered his pregnant partner, Terri Harris, along with her three children, including Jason’s children, Lacey, aged 11, and John, aged 13. The family, along with Lacey’s friend, Connie Gent, also 11, were all pronounced dead at the scene after being attacked with a claw hammer. Bendall’s heinous actions did not stop at murder; he assaulted Lacey as she died and later violated her remains before leaving to exchange John’s Xbox for drugs.
Jason’s grief is compounded by the memories that resurface during the festive season. He often recalls his last phone conversation with Lacey and John, which took place the evening before their deaths. “I was on holiday down in Devon,” he shared. “The evening before, I missed my daughter’s video call, but I rang her back and I am so glad I did.” Lacey and Connie had excitedly set up a stall to raise money for charity, and John beamed with pride over their efforts.
Upon waking the next day, Jason learned of the tragedy through social media. A heartbreaking call from the police confirmed his worst fears, leaving him “crumpling” to his knees, overwhelmed with sorrow for his “angels.” As he faces yet another Christmas without his beloved children, Jason reflects on how that day marked the end of Christmas for him. “The first Christmas without them… meant nothing to me,” he said. “I just wanted to die.”
Christmas had once been a time of joy for Jason, who cherished cooking for his family and creating lasting memories. “Oh, how I loved to cook for them,” he reminisced. “Christmas was everything.” However, since the tragedy, he has avoided many festive activities, including preparing meals. “Those first two years were horrendous,” he admitted. “I didn’t leave the house… I didn’t even want to live.”
Despite the overwhelming pain, Jason found strength through the support of friends and family. He has committed to honoring his children’s memory by gradually re-engaging with life. “I have promised myself that each week, I will do a bit more and a bit more,” he stated. He maintains personal rituals, such as kissing the photo of his children, and laying flowers at the site of their funeral, especially around the time of John’s birthday.
Jason’s memories of Lacey and John are filled with warmth and laughter. “To sweet Lacey, butter wouldn’t have melted,” he recalled. “John would pretend to be this fiery lad, but deep down, he was loving and sensitive.” Their playful teasing and shared joys remain vivid in his mind.
Eventually, Jason returned to work, supported by a “wonderful” network of family and friends. “It’s difficult to fit in when you are feeling so fragile, but you can’t walk around looking miserable,” he noted. “Life takes on a new normal – not better, just different.”
In memory of his children, Jason has dedicated himself to raising funds for the Youth Cancer Trust in Dorset, the same charity his children had supported. His efforts have yielded over £78,000, including organizing three charity soccer matches, with the latest held at Sheffield Wednesday’s field this year.
As time passes, Jason clings to the hope that Christmas will once again hold its magic. Until then, he will continue to cherish the memories of the joyful moments shared with his children, expressing that he was “truly the luckiest father on earth” to have had them in his life. In a final statement, he affirmed, “I will continue to kiss the faded photograph of my beloved children.”
In a just outcome, Damien Bendall received a whole-life sentence, ensuring he will spend the remainder of his life in prison for the brutal killings of Terri Harris, John, Lacey, and Connie.
