Murderer Alan Bennett had history of domestic violence

Flowers laid in Byland Close where Jodie Betteridge was killed. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

Killer Alan Bennett has a history of domestic violence before he murdered his current and ex-partner within moments of each other, it has been revealed.

Cleveland Police said there would be a Domestic Homicide Review carried out following the murders led by Redcar and Cleveland Community Safety Partnership.

Bennett, 34, called police himself after he stabbed Lynne Freeman, 46, in the neck in Redcar on March 23.

Just seven minutes later, Cleveland Police received a second call from members of the public to say Jodie Betteridge, 30, had been repeatedly stabbed less than a mile away.

Lynne Freeman and Jodie Betteridge who were killed by Alan Bennett Credit: Cleveland Police

Bennett was given two life sentences with a minimum term of 32 years and 233 days at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday after admitting the two murders.

Bennett was arrested at the horrific murder scene in Byland Close, where he had attacked Ms Betteridge.

Police and paramedics were already at the scene in Mapleton Crescent, where he had killed Ms Freeman.

Bennett, from Lingholme in Redcar, called for an ambulance to go to MsFreeman's bungalow at 8.45pm that night.

He had been drinking with her in Redcar that day and they had visited a number of pubs.

Around 8pm Bennett and Ms Freeman took a number 63 bus which dropped them near her home. During the journey witnesses heard a furious argument.

Bennett was heard to raise his voice several times and the row continued asthey made their way towards Mapleton Crescent.

After they arrived Bennett stabbed her a number of times in the upper body and neck.

He then made his way to murder Ms Betteridge, who had spent most of the day with their children, aged four, six and nine.

Police at the scene where Alan Bennett had murdered Lynne Freeman Credit: ITV Tyne Tees
Police at the scene of Jodie Betteridge murder Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

Bennett and Ms Betteridge were in a relationship from 2005 to 2014 and they had three children, who lived with her.

Early last year he started a relationship with Ms Freeman although he had known her for some time.

Cleveland Police said previous domestic incidents had been reported regarding Alan Bennett with Jodie Betteridge and with Lynne Freeman.

They did not live together but were often with each other, frequently stayingover at their respective addresses.

Andrew Robertson QC, prosecuting, said: "Both women were stabbed to death with an unequivocal intent to kill."