Man, 88, in court accused of wife's 1982 murder after septic tank find

An 88-year-old man has appeared in court charged with murdering his wife in 1982 after her remains were found in a septic tank.

David Venables, from Kempsey, Worcestershire, appeared at Worcester Magistrates' Court accused of murdering 48-year-old Brenda Venables.

He was arrested after the remains were found at the couple's former home in Bestmans Lane, Kempsey, in July 2019.

Mr Venables was bailed at a second hearing at Birmingham Crown Court.

Wearing a tweed jacket, shirt, tie, glasses and a face mask, he kept his hands folded in his lap as he sat in the dock and spoke only to confirm his details and that he understood the proceedings.

Mr Venables, of Elgar Drive, is accused of murdering Mrs Venables between 2 and 5 May, 1982. He was charged by the Crown Prosecution Service last week.

Police said the remains had been discovered after the tank had been drained during routine maintenance. They were later identified as those of Brenda Venables.

At Birmingham Crown Court, Judge Melbourne Inman QC granted Mr Venables bail on three conditions: that he live and sleep at a nominated address, he does not apply for a passport and he does not make contact with prosecution witnesses.

He is due to return to Worcester Crown Court on 7 September to prepare for trial, which has been provisionally listed to begin on 25 July 2022.

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