Man jailed for 18 years for murdering his wife in 1982

A man who murdered his wife and hid her body in a septic tank has been sentenced to a minimum of 18 years in prison.

David Venables, 89, of Elgar Drive, Kempsey, was sentenced today (Wednesday 20 July) at Worcester Crown Court.

Venables originally reported his 48-year-old wife Brenda missing in May 1982.

A missing person investigation was launched by West Mercia Police, which included searches of the local area, including the river.

The case continued as a missing person inquiry until July 2019 when routine maintenance of the septic house at the Kempsey home where the couple had lived uncovered human remains.

A murder investigation was launched and, through DNA testing, the remains were identified as Brenda. Due to the condition of Brenda’s remains, the cause of her death was unable to be established.

During the trial, the court heard that the couple were in an unhappy marriage and outlined the 14-year affair he had with another woman.

It was found that, between 3 and 5 May 1982, David killed Brenda and hid her body in the septic tank before reporting her missing.

On Friday 19 July a jury found Venables guilty of murder following a five-week trial at Worcester Crown Court. See our verdict statement and the family statement.

Speaking on behalf of West Mercia Police following today’s sentencing Detective Sergeant James Beard said: “David Venables committed a horrific crime, murdering his wife and hiding her body to try and cover up his actions. I am glad that he will now pay the price for that and spend the rest of his life in prison.

"The other victims in this case are the members of Brenda's family who have been robbed of a sister and auntie, and left without closure for 40 years.

"We cannot begin to imagine the pain that must have caused them and I’d like to commend them for the courage and dignity they have shown throughout the investigation and the court proceedings.”

Issued by LS, Corporate Communications