A MAN accused of raping an 11-year-old girl before murdering her alongside her friend, brother and mum at a sleepover has appeared in court.

       Damien Bendall, 31, is charged with killing Lacey and John Bennett, 13, their mum Terri Harris, 35, and the children's friend Connie Gent, 11, at a home in Killamarsh, Derbyshire.

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       Damien Bendall is charged with four counts of murder and one of rape 6

       Lacey Bennett with her brother John Paul Bennett and their mum Terri Harris Credit: PA 6

       Lacey's friend Connie Gent, 11, was also found dead Credit: PA

       He faces another charge of the rape of a girl under the age of 13.

       The family had invited Lacey's best friend Connie round for the night before they were killed in a "violent attack".

       The bodies were found at the property in Chandos Crescent on September 19.

       Bendall, Terri's partner, was held at the scene before being charged.

       He had been due to appear at a plea hearing in November but had been too unwell to attend.

       He today appeared at Derby Crown Court charged with four counts of murder and one of rape but was not required to enter any pleas.

       Wearing a grey sweatshirt, blue jeans and a white face mask, the defendant was surrounded by five dock officers during the short hearing.

       An inquest opening at Chesterfield Coroner's Court previously heard the four died as a result of a "violent attack".

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       The coroner's court also heard how a relative of Bendall had phoned police to say the defendant had suffered a self-inflicted stab wound.

       Judge Nirmal Shant QC remanded Bendall back into custody to appear at the same court for a plea hearing on January 18.

       He is due to stand trial on March 1 this year.

       Following the family's tragic deaths, tributes flooded in for Terri, Lacey, John and Connie.

       Lacey and John's dad Jason wept as he laid flowers for his children close to the home where they were found dead.

       He addressed a floral tribute to his "TikTok queen" Lacey, saying he was "lost" without her.

       A note read: "Look after your big brother and don’t wind him up."

       Jason also left a handwritten note at the house for John, reading: "My beautiful son, keep your kind heart shining while the angels are looking after you for me."

       Mourners described Terri as "an amazing mum" at her funeral in October, while family and friends honoured little Connie as "the happiest girl in the world".

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       Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Damien Bendall, 31 Credit: PA 6

       Lacey Bennett, who died along with her brother, their mother and Lacey's friend Credit: PA 6

       Siblings John and Lacey with their father Jason Credit: PA