Review launched to see if Redcar double murder could have been prevented

A domestic homicide review will be launched independently of the murder investigation carried out by Cleveland Police.

Published 28th Jul 2016

An independent review will be launched to see if the victims of a double murder in Redcar could have been protected.

34-year-old Alan Bennett was sentenced to 32 years in prison yesterday for brutally murdering his partner 46-year-old Lynne Freeman and ex-girlfriend Jodie Betteridge.

He had a history of chronic mental health conditions, which experts said left him impulsive and prone to mood swings.

He was also known to the police, with previous convictions and a history of domestic abuse.

Lynne and Jodie were both found dead at their properties in Redcar in March this year.

Jodie's three young children, fathered by Bennett, witnessed the brutal crime first-hand.

Dectective Superintendent Peter Carr revealed an independent review will now take place to see if the victims could have been protected.

He said: "Both murders are being categorised as domestic-related incidents.

"A domestic homicide review is going to take place in due course, that's going to be done by Redcar and Cleveland Community Safety Partnership.

"Police will be involved in that process and rightly so, it sits away from the investigation."

DS Carr also revealed that Bennett has given no explanation for the crimes he committed in Redcar.