Watchdog finds probation failings over Killamarsh killer Damien Bendall

Assessment of risk ‘unacceptable’ and ‘critical opportunities’ to correct errors were missed, says report

A “psychopathic” and racist criminal murdered three children and his pregnant partner after a series of failings within the Probation Service, a damning report by a watchdog has found.

The chief inspector of probation, Justin Russell, said the organisation’s assessment and supervision of Damien Bendall was of an “unacceptable standard” at every stage and “critical opportunities” to correct errors were missed.