DAVID VENABLES SHOCKING MURDER OF WIFE IN KEMPSEY AND WORCESTERSHIRE SEWAGE TANK REVEALED AFTER 40 YEARS

In a case that has spanned over four decades, David Venables, a retired farmer from Kempsey, has been found guilty of the murder of his wife, Brenda Venables, whose remains were discovered in a septic tank on their former property in Worcestershire. The tragic events date back to May 1982, when Brenda was last seen alive, and her body was concealed in the septic tank of their home, where it remained hidden until 2019.

Venables, now 89 years old, was accused of killing his wife after he rekindled an affair with another woman. The court heard that Brenda’s remains were only uncovered after contractors, during septic tank maintenance, found bones and a human skull in July 2019. DNA analysis confirmed these remains belonged to Brenda Venables. The discovery was a pivotal moment in the long-standing investigation, which had initially failed to produce any leads when Brenda was reported missing in 1982.

During the trial at Worcester Crown Court, the prosecution, led by Michael Burrows QC, argued that Venables had wanted to eliminate his wife to pursue his extramarital relationship. The septic tank, located at Quaking House Farm off Bestmans Lane—where the couple had resided since 1961—was described as the “perfect hiding place” by the prosecution. The case revealed that Venables had been involved in an on-and-off affair with Lorraine Styles, a carer who had previously looked after his mother, starting around 1967. Prosecutors suggested that Venables’ desire to resume his affair was a motive for the murder.

Venables had denied any involvement in Brenda’s disappearance, even suggesting that serial killer Fred West might have been responsible. He claimed he was unable to locate his wife after she went missing. The jury, after deliberating for over 16 hours across four days, found him guilty of her murder. During the verdict reading, Venables, who was provided with headphones to assist his hearing, blinked multiple times and looked back at the jury with a serious expression.

Following the conviction, Brenda’s nieces and nephews expressed their relief and sorrow. They stated, “We are relieved that today, after a wait of 40 years, at last there is justice for Brenda. Venables can no longer get away with having murdered his wife, the hiding of her body, and all his deceit, lies, and fabrications.” They described Brenda as a gentle, increasingly quiet woman who was no harm to anyone, and expressed their hope that her death was quick and painless. The family also shared their ongoing anguish over the fact that her body was found in the septic tank of her own home, a sight that will haunt them forever.

They emphasized the importance of support for victims of domestic abuse and thanked the police and prosecutors for their efforts over the years. “Our heartfelt thanks to the member of the public who found her remains three years ago, and to our family and friends for their unwavering support and understanding as the search for justice for Brenda took over our lives,” they added.

Venables, who resides on Elgar Drive in Kempsey, had maintained his innocence for many years. His defense claimed that he had no involvement in Brenda’s disappearance and suggested alternative theories, including the possibility of her being murdered by someone else. The case has garnered significant media attention due to its long duration and the shocking nature of the discovery.

Venables is scheduled to be sentenced via prison video-link next Wednesday, with the court expected to impose a suitable punishment for his crime. The case remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of justice for victims who have long been denied it.