THE trial of David Venables, who is alleged to have killed wife Brenda and put her body in a septic tank has started.
Prosecutor Michael Burrows QC, has begun opening the prosecution’s case with the trial expected to last around six weeks.
Here is a timeline of events of the case:
- June 1, 1960
David and Brenda are married, and go on to live together at Quaking House Farm, Bestmans Lane, Kempsey. They do not have children.
- May 4, 1982
David Venables attends Worcester Police Station and reports his wife missing.
Police searches begin of the farm including house and outbuildings, Venables’ two cars, and the river.
- May 5, 1982
Further police searches are carried out, including a helicopter search of the area, and the river.
- May 6, 1982
Police use a boat to search the river from Worcester downstream to Upton on Severn.
There is no police record to indicate the septic tank, in the grounds of the farm, was searched or drained at this stage.
- 1986
With the case treated as a missing person enquiry, from time to time the police review it. In 1986, the police note her bank account remains intact.
- 1990
Further financial enquiries are made, with it noted there were no records of her claiming benefits.
- 2014
Quaking House Farm is sold to David Venables’ nephew, Andrew Venables.
- July 12, 2019
During an emptying of the septic tank, human remains are found and police are notified.
Over the following days, police officers and firefighters are involved in recovering her remains from the tank.
Experts later confirm they are the remains of Brenda Venables.
READ MORE: Man 'killed wife to get her out the way so he could be with mistress' - court hears
- July 30, 2019
David Venables is arrested for the murder of wife, Brenda.
- September 7, 2021
David Venables appears at Worcester Crown Court and denies a count of murdering his wife “on a day between May 2 and May 5 1982".
- June 13, 2022
David Venables' trial for murder starts at Worcester Crown Court.
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