S18E06 | Kate Prout (Redmarley, Gloucestershire, 2007)
In November 2007, a woman vanished from her rural farmhouse in the Gloucestershire countryside without a trace. At first, it seemed she may have simply left - a private decision, perhaps, to start again elsewhere. But as days turned into weeks, and then months, suspicions grew.
Kate Prout was a retired schoolteacher, known for her love of nature, her creativity, and her deep ties to the local community. She lived a quiet life on a sprawling farm in the Forest of Dean - a place she’d once called her dream home.
What followed was an investigation that spanned years, challenged detectives, and divided a village. And at the centre of it all was a single question: what really happened to Kate?
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse and feel frightened of, or controlled by, a partner, an ex-partner or family member, it’s important to remember that it’s not your fault and there is no shame in seeking help. Free, confidential support and advice is available to victims and their concerned family members or friends, 24 hours a day:
England | Refuge | 0808 2000 247
Scotland | SDAFMH | 0800 027 1234
Wales | Live Fear Free | 0808 80 10 100
Northern Ireland | DSA | 0808 802 1414
UK-wide | Men’s Advice Line | 0808 801 0327
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Intro music:
David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'
davidjohnbrady.com
Disclaimer:
The case discussed in this podcast episode is real and represents the worst day in many people's lives. I aim to cover such stories with a victim-focused approach, using information from publicly available sources. While I strive for accuracy, some details may vary depending on the sources used. You can find the sources for each episode on my website. Due to the nature of the content, listener discretion is advised. Thank you for your understanding and support.
References:
Bloxham, A. (2011, November 18). Wife-killer landowner Adrian Prout admits guilt two years after conviction. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/8897664/Wife-killer-landowner-Adrian-Prout-admits-guilt-two-years-after-conviction-for-killing-Kate-Prout.html
Chipperfield, D. (2017, April 19). Guilty - the wealthy landowner who killed his wife. Gloucestershire Live. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/gloucester-news/guilty-wealthy-landowner-who-killed-29174
Falconer, B. (2011, November 11). Kate Prout murder: Ex-husband admits killing in prison cell confession. Gloucestershire Live. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/gloucester-news/kate-prout-murder-ex-husband-21664
Farmer Adrian Prout given life for wife’s murder. (2010, February 8). BBC News. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/gloucestershire/8503848.stm
ForesterTV. (2007, December 6). Brother’s appeal for missing Kate [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CEC1-MeO4o
ForesterTV. (2010, February 21). Killer Adrian Prout’s police interview [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIgAD_kfWsQ
Housesitter of farmer accused of killing his wife was “eaten away after his confession in pub.” (2010, January 18). Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1244198/Housesitter-farmer-accused-killing-wife-eaten-away-confession-pub.html
Husband accused of murdering wife gets engaged to new love just weeks ahead of trial. (2009, June 24). Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1195160/Husband-accused-murdering-wife-gets-engaged-new-love-just-weeks-ahead-trial.html
Kate Prout funeral takes place in Cheltenham. (2012, January 4). BBC News. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-16406302
Knight, K. (2010a, February 5). Businessman guilty of killing wife after she demanded a divorce and £800,000. Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1248763/Businessman-guilty-killing-wife-demanded-divorce-800-000.html
Knight, K. (2010b, February 5). Wealthy landowner guilty of murdering wife . . . even though her body has never been found. Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1248763/Businessman-guilty-killing-wife-demanded-divorce-800-000.html
McCutcheon, G. (2025, June 13). What is the forfeiture rule in probate? Higgs LLP. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.higgsllp.co.uk/articles/what-is-the-forfeiture-rule-in-probate
Mercury, S. (2012, October 24). Daughter sets up Facebook site to help clear Midland dad’s name of murder. Birmingham Live. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/daughter-sets-up-facebook-site-245609
Morris, S. (2010a, February 5). Landowner guilty of murdering estranged wife. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/feb/05/murder-missing-body-divorce
Morris, S. (2010b, February 8). Wealthy landowner jailed for life for murdering estranged wife. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/feb/08/wife-killer-sentenced-life
Morris, S. (2011, December 5). Kate Prout pathologist unable to establish exactly how she died. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/dec/05/kate-prout-pathologist-inquest?CMP=gu_com
Murder victim Kate Prout left £626,000 to husband convicted of her killing. (2011, January 17). Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1347652/Murder-victim-Kate-Prout-left-626-000-husband-convicted-killing.html
Prior, S. (Director). (2019, March 25). What the Killer Did Next (season 1, episode 8). Avalon Television.
Really. (2022, June 7). The Shocking Disappearance Of Kate Prout l The Killer In My Family [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX4BuwFUtRc
Savill, R. (2008, February 20). Husband arrested over Kate Prout murder. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1579261/Husband-arrested-over-Kate-Prout-murder.html
Timeline: Kate Prout murder. (2011, November 25). BBC News. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-15794829
