In a shocking twist within the walls of a high-security prison, notorious murderer Damien Bendall left staff in disbelief with his chilling response after a vicious hammer attack on a fellow inmate. Serving a whole life order for the heinous Killmarsh murders that claimed the lives of a family in Derbyshire, Bendall now faces additional charges.
On May 20, 2024, Bendall struck again, using a claw hammer to brutally assault a fellow prisoner at HMP Frankland, a crime for which he has pleaded guilty to attempted murder. Despite being friends and often seen playing games together, Bendall launched a surprise attack, rendering his victim unconscious with four blows to the head. When questioned why, Bendall’s response was unsettlingly simple: “I don’t know.”
The court heard the attack was premeditated, planned with the intent to be transferred to the segregation unit. The victim, initially believed to be dead, survived with two skull fractures and was treated in hospital. Bendall, now housed at HMP Wakefield, has an extensive criminal record, including four past murder offences.
Despite the brutality of the attack, Bendall, who suffers from a degenerative condition, expressed regret and apologised. He claimed no malice towards his victim despite their previously amicable relationship. In a sobering sentence, the judge ruled that owing to his past crimes and current sentence, he is likely never to walk free.
This case is a stark reminder of the violence lurking even behind bars and the chilling decisions individuals make, leaving us asking, how far will some go for motives we can’t fathom?