Damien Bendall, a former cage fighter who is already serving a whole-life tariff for four murders, has been handed another life sentence for attempting to murder a fellow inmate in a brutal hammer attack. The 36-year-old attacked Michael Mullaney with a claw hammer at HMP Frankland in Durham during May 2024, inflicting severe head injuries that included depressed skull fractures and bleeding on the brain.
Details of the Violent Assault
The court heard that Bendall struck Mr Mullaney four times in the head without any warning, with the first blow rendering the victim unconscious immediately. This premeditated assault occurred within the high-security prison, highlighting ongoing concerns about violence in correctional facilities.
Defence Arguments and Sentencing
Bendall's defence team stated that he planned the attack in order to be moved to a segregation unit, citing his deteriorating mental health as a motivating factor. They also mentioned that Bendall wished to apologise to Mr Mullaney for his actions. Despite these claims, the judge imposed a new life term with a minimum of 15 years to be served.
However, this additional sentence is largely symbolic, as Bendall will never be released from prison. He previously received a whole-life order in December 2022 for the 2021 murders of four people, a case that shocked the nation and led to his initial incarceration.
Background and Previous Crimes
Damien Bendall was convicted for the 2021 murders, which involved the brutal killings of four individuals. His history as a cage fighter and the severity of his crimes have made him a notorious figure in the British criminal justice system. The recent attack at HMP Frankland underscores the challenges in managing high-risk inmates, even within secure environments.
The sentencing serves as a reminder of the legal system's stance on violent offenders, ensuring that those who commit heinous acts face lifelong consequences. Authorities continue to monitor Bendall's case closely, given his dangerous profile and the impact of his actions on victims and their families.
