A SHOPKEEPER threatened with a knife by a would-be robber who went on to kill four people says he is glad the murderer is now behind bars for life.

Narendra Patel defended himself with a golf club when now-notorious killer Damien Bendall tried to steal from his Sherborne News shop in Nythe back in August 2015. 

Speaking to the Adver at the time, Mr Patel said the three-year prison sentence given to Bendall for the attempted robbery was strong enough and he hoped the convict would turn his life around on release.

But this was not to be. After being released from jail and moving from Swindon to Killamarsh, Derbyshire, Bendall commited one of the most shocking crimes in recent years.

He raped an 11-year-old girl, and killed her as well as two other children and his pregnant partner in September 2021.

The 32-year-old received a whole life order which will keep him in jail for the rest of his days.

Swindon Advertiser: Damien Bendall's mugshotDamien Bendall's mugshot (Image: Wiltshire Police)

Reflecting on his early encounter with the killer, Mr Patel said: "It's frightening, he is a very dangerous man who could do anything.

"I remember when he came into the shop, walking around, looking outside the window and making phone calls. He was very tall and fit, I think he used to live around here.

"I knew he was going to try to steal something but I had a golf club under the counter and I was ready.

"He held a knife at me so I tried to hit him with the club but he bent down and ran away.

"The police could not find him but he did the same thing he did after the murders - called the police and surrendered himself.

"Perhaps he should have been kept in jail longer [for the attempted robbery].

"I'm glad he has a life sentence [for the murders] because if he had the chance to get out, he would do it again."

Swindon Advertiser: Narendra Patel fought off would-be robber Damien Bendall back in 2015, six years before he went on to kill four people.Narendra Patel fought off would-be robber Damien Bendall back in 2015, six years before he went on to kill four people. (Image: Dave Cox)

In the 21 years that 69-year-old Narendra has owned the newsagents, on Sherborne Place, August 2015 was the second and last time anyone tried to rob it.

He added: "The first time, a man showed my wife he had a knife up his sleeve and tried to take money in secret.

"She yelled 'police!' so I came out of the back room with a metal bar and chased him, but I couldn't keep up.

"Nothing like that happened again after Bendall but I always keep my eyes open."

Swindon Advertiser: Sherborne News in NytheSherborne News in Nythe (Image: Google Maps)