CONVICTED Kempsey murderer David Venables has been jailed for life with a minimum of 18 years for the murder of his wife Brenda.
The sentence means Venables will almost certainly die behind bars for the murder of Brenda 40 years ago as he will be 107 years old before he can apply for parole.
In May 1982 Venables reported his 48-year-old wife Brenda missing.
A missing person investigation was launched by West Mercia Police, which included searches of the local area, including the river.
The case continued as a missing person inquiry until July 2019 when routine maintenance of the septic tank at the Kempsey home where the couple had lived uncovered human remains.
A murder investigation was launched and, through DNA testing, the remains were identified as Brenda.
Due to the condition of Brenda’s remains, the cause of her death was unable to be established.
After being found guilty on Friday (July 15), Venables was jailed today (Wednesday)
Speaking on behalf of West Mercia Police following today’s sentencing Detective Sergeant James Beard said: “David Venables committed a horrific crime, murdering his wife and hiding her body to try and cover up his actions. I am glad that he will now pay the price for that and spend the rest of his life in prison.
“The other victims in this case are the members of Brenda’s family who have been robbed of a sister and auntie, and left without closure for 40 years.
“We cannot begin to imagine the pain that must have caused them and I’d like to commend them for the courage and dignity they have shown throughout the investigation and the court proceedings.”
