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89 year old Sentenced to Life for Murder

Retired Worcestershire farmer David Venables was sentenced yesterday, Wednesday 20th July to a life sentence and a minimum term of 18 years’ imprisonment following his conviction for murder.

Timothy Hannam QC and Adam Western, instructed by Sarah Brady of Lister Brady solicitors, defended Mr Venables in a five-week trial at Worcester Crown Court.

The jury deliberated for three and a half days before returning a majority verdict of ten to two.

Mr Venables was accused of killing his wife, Brenda and hiding her body in the septic tank in the garden of their home at Quaking House Farm in the Worcestershire village of Kempsey.

David Venables, 89, reported his wife missing on 4th May 1982. Her body was found in 2019 when the tank was being emptied.

A BBC report on the case can be found here.

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