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.

 

Worcester News: FARM: Quaking House Farm, Kempsey. Picture: SWNSFARM: Quaking House Farm, Kempsey. Picture: SWNS

 

  • 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.

 

Worcester News: SEARCH: Searches were conducted of Bestmans Lane after Brenda Venables disappearanceSEARCH: Searches were conducted of Bestmans Lane after Brenda Venables disappearance

 

  • 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.

 

Worcester News: DISAPPEARANCE: Brenda Venables went missing in May 1982 DISAPPEARANCE: Brenda Venables went missing in May 1982

 

  • 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".

 

Worcester News: TRIAL: David Venables pictured outside Worcester Crown CourtTRIAL: David Venables pictured outside Worcester Crown Court

 

  • June 13, 2022

David Venables' trial for murder starts at Worcester Crown Court.