Family Sues Husband for Murder of Wife Whose Body Remained in Septic Tank for 37 Years

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David Venables, a 90-year-old farmer, is being sued by his wife's family for compensation after being convicted of her murder in 2019. Brenda Venables had been missing since May 1982, and her remains were discovered during renovation work on the family's farm in Worcestershire. The lawsuit, led by Brenda's nephew Timothy Sheppy, is seeking damages for the attack on Brenda and to remove David Venables as administrator of her estate. A High Court judge has granted "summary judgement" in favor of the estate's compensation claim, paving the way for a later assessment of damages.

Key Takeaways:

  • Brenda Venables, a 23-year-old woman, was murdered by her husband David in May 1982, and her body was hidden in the septic tank of their farm in Worcestershire for 37 years.
  • David Venables was convicted of Brenda's murder in July 2019 and sentenced to life in prison, but appealed the conviction and was granted a video link hearing from prison.
  • Brenda's family is suing David Venables to recover her inheritance, estimated to be a significant portion of the family's piggery business and the Quaking House Farm estate.
  • A High Court judge has granted summary judgment in favor of the estate's compensation claim, with the figure to be decided at a later date.
  • Alan Collins, the solicitor for Brenda's family, stated that valuing Brenda's estate would be difficult due to the time elapsed since the murder.
  • The case will return to court for an assessment of damages and for the application to remove David Venables as personal representative of Brenda's estate.

Statistics:

  • 37 years: the length of time Brenda Venables' body was hidden in the septic tank on the family's farm.
  • £460,000: the amount David Venables sold his home, Quaking House Farm, for in 2019, which led to the discovery of Brenda's remains.
  • 23: the age Brenda Venables was when she met her future husband at a young farmers' event in 1955.
  • £ (amount unknown): the estimated value of Brenda's inheritance, which is being sought by her family.

Sources:

  • By, Ben Ayling & Tom Pettifor
  • The UK Judiciary