The name David Venables is one that many in Kempsey will recognise, though it is a case most would rather had never been associated with the village.
Venables lived in Kempsey for many years, where he worked as a pig farmer. In May 1982, his wife, Brenda Venables, aged 48, disappeared. She was reported missing to police several days later, but despite searches at the time, no trace of her was found.
For decades, the case remained unresolved.
In July 2019, Mrs Venables’ remains were discovered in an underground septic tank on the couple’s former farm in Kempsey when the tank was emptied. The discovery led to a renewed police investigation, and Venables was arrested three weeks later.
Venables denied responsibility for his wife’s death and, during his trial, blamed serial killer Fred West. A jury rejected this account. He was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The case attracted national attention due to the length of time between Mrs Venables’ disappearance and the discovery of her remains, as well as the fact that the offence had gone undetected for 37 years.
Venables died in custody at HMP Stoke Heath in December 2024, aged 92. His death was later reviewed by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, who found no failings and made no recommendations.
For Kempsey, the case remains a sobering reminder that serious crimes can occur even in places widely regarded as peaceful and close-knit. While the events are firmly in the past, their connection to the village means they continue to surface from time to time in public discussion and media reporting.
As ever, kempsey.co.uk aims to report such matters factually and without sensationalism, recognising both the impact on the wider community and the importance of accuracy when revisiting difficult histories.
