Exclusive

One person a week killed by criminal on probation, as ex-Victims Commissioner slams failure to protect public's safety

25 June 2024, 08:23 | Updated: 25 June 2024, 09:24

Jordan McSweeney and Damien Bendall both committed murders while on probation
Jordan McSweeney and Damien Bendall both committed murders while on probation. Picture: Police
Aggie Chambré

By Aggie Chambré

One person is killed every week by a criminal already on probation, LBC can reveal.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Since 2010, more than 750 murders have been committed by convicted criminals while on probation, the equivalent of one a week.

The new research shows that 762 Serious Further Offences of murder were carried out between 2010 and 2022.

Nearly 20 of the murders were committed by offenders serving life sentences.  

Serious Further Offences are violent crimes committed by people under probation supervision or who have very recently been under supervision.

Former Victims Commissioner Dame Vera Baird said the figures were “appalling” and called for a national review into the probation service.

One person killed every week by criminal already on probation

“The probation service is pretty directionless at present,” she told LBC. 

“The level of killing is just appalling. These are people who are recognised as dangerous criminals.” 

She said the criminals should have “a completely all round supervision and support service which keeps an eye on them day and night”. Instead, she said “the public is not guaranteed the safety that it should have”. 

In March of this year, the Chief Inspector of probation Martin Jones said there were "serious failings" in the probation supervision after Joshua Jacques killed his girlfriend Samantha Drummonds and her family while on probation in 2022. 

Jordan McSweeney and Damien Bendall were also under the supervision of probation services for a variety of previous offences when they committed crimes.

Read more: UK would be ‘illegal migration capital of world’ under Labour, Sunak says as he sets out plans to ‘stop the boats’

Read more: British woman 'gang-raped in Paris at music festival'

McSweeney murdered Zara Aleena in East London, while Damien Bendall murdered four people, including three children. 

The Serious Further Offence review into Bendall noted that failures by supervising managers meant a failure to amend his "medium risk of serious harm" to "high risk of serious harm". 

In response to the figures, Alex Chalk, Justice Secretary said: “Under the Conservatives reoffending rates have fallen from 31 per cent to 25 per cent since 2010 and an extra £155 million per year is being invested in the Probation Service to recruit more staff and intensify supervision of criminals.

“We are also harnessing the latest technology to tag a record number of individuals, monitoring offenders’ movements and enforcing tough unpaid work orders to drive down reoffending and repay criminals’ debt to society.

“Under Labour, reoffending rates were higher and all those on sentences of less than 12 months roamed free without probation supervision, showing Labour will never take the tough decisions to keep our communities safe.”

The probation service has been approached for comment.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Breaking
Heathrow as resumed "full service" but some flights remain cancelled.

First flights of the day take off as Heathrow resumes 'full service' after blaze left thousands stranded worldwide

George Foreman

Heavyweight boxing legend George Foreman dies aged 76

Two men sentenced after 'forcing cockerels to run on treadmill' to 'boost stamina' in fighting ring

Two men sentenced after 'forcing cockerels to run on treadmill' to 'boost stamina'

Belfast, United Kingdom, 30 01 2024, Police cordon following an aggravated burglary in the Essex Grove area of Belfast Credit: HeadlineX/Alamy

Man arrested on suspicion of murder after woman in her 40s dies in Clacton

Influencer brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate arrive, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The brothers were charged with human trafficking in Romania and arrived in the U.S. after authorities lifted travel restrictions.

Tate brothers confirm return to Romania from US 'to clear their name'

England v Albania - European Qualifiers Group K - FIFA World Cup 2026

England kick off Tuchel era with 2-0 win over Albania at Wembley

Catholic primary school teacher caught moonlighting as OnlyFans model triggers government response

Catholic primary school teacher caught moonlighting as OnlyFans model triggers government response

Heathrow reopens to select flights after 'non-suspicious' blaze as travel chaos sees thousands stranded worldwide

Heathrow reopens to select flights after 'non-suspicious' blaze as travel chaos leaves thousands stranded worldwide

Harshita Bella, 24 was found dead in the boot of a car

Officers in Harshita Brella case investigated after murdered woman contacted police about domestic violence

M

Man who took bomb, knives and firearm into hospital and planned to kill 'as many nurses as possible' jailed

Three boys have been charged with rape

Three boys aged 13-15 charged with raping girl in joint attack in Rochdale

Dmitry Medvedev said he was waiting for Russia to be blamed

‘What are you waiting for Starmer?’ Putin ally goads Britain over Heathrow shutdown

Woodland Glade Thetford Forest Norfolk UK

New 'Western Forest' to be created in England, with 20 million trees to be planted by 2050

Katherine Ryan

Comedian Katherine Ryan reveals she has skin cancer for second time - after doctor first told her she was 'healthy'

U.S. President Trump's State Visit To UK - Day Two

'I love King Charles': Trump makes jaw-dropping hint as he says US could become 'associate member' of Commonwealth

Karla Dodds, 25, has now been jailed for 12 years

Drunk barmaid sobbed 'who's dead?' after killing friend in car crash while carrying six passengers in hatchback