​Kate Prout was a meticulous and dedicated diarist.

The retired teacher’s journal proved to be key to the prosecution’s case against her now-convicted husband Adrian Prout.

Written in up to the day before her disappearance on November 5 2007, the extracts reveal a marriage falling apart, the unfolding divorce proceedings and her suspicions over an extra-marital affair.

Here are a number of key entries made in the year leading up to her disappearance.

December 26 2006

“All hell broke loose at home – words with the little madame (Prout’s daughter Laura) – got sloshed – argued and he said it’s all over. Wants us to divorce.”

February 1 2007

“The evening he threatened me and I reported him to the police. He was arrested but no charges brought as no ’marks’ on me, so insufficient evidence.

“Officially separated now – as very frightened to return.

“He went mad, I really thought that my end had come. I was very, very shaken.”

February 20 2007

“His solicitor said that A said I could have £1,000 a month from farm account, for rent etc. NO WAY – that’s my settlement. Then his solicitor said that A stated that he had NO SAVINGS!”

February 28 2007

“Met Adrian in pub to discuss coming to an agreement. So pleased to see him much to my surprise. Went home with him to discuss further.

“Will be amicable now. May even be hope for a trial return home, but early days.”

March 15 2007

“Asked him where my treadmill was – told me had given it away. Did not ask me! It was a gift from him. He had also thrown out my spices, foods etc.”

March 16 2007

“Adrian came home for weekend. Went out for supper – Italian in Ledbury – very good meal. Slept together as man and wife. It was lovely and had some hope of reconciliation.”

March 18 2007

“Awoke with Adrian – nice time. Met with him after The Archers to discuss our future. Then, he told me that he did NOT want to continue being my husband. Wanted a divorce as had no real feelings for me anymore.

“I wonder how his mind works. He seems so mixed up inside and I still care for him so much.

“It is all over for good – no hope for a future together. Devastated really as did have hope.”

April 6 2007

“It is appalling to feel ’at war’ with the person supposed to be closest to you, the person who you have given all of your love to, devoted yourself to. Deceit is a horrid realisation.

“Adrian slept with me – made love... Why, oh why is he giving me these mixed messages? He is very passionate with me and said sometimes he thinks we should or could get back together but ’let’s talk about this tomorrow’.”

April 7 2007

“In the evening after dinner – he was still adamant that we are divorcing. Slept on my own though he tried to sleep with me. This is so unfair.”

September 8/9 2007

“Sad day, remembering our wedding day, seven years ago, when all was well.”

September 29 2007

“Returned home from week’s break in Salisbury. He was not really pleased to see me.”

September 30 2007

“A told me that he and Di B did some clay pigeon shooting in the week (never has time to do ANYTHING with me).

“They watched a rugby match together on TV. Fed pheasants together. If he was going to be ’so busy’ with the planting for the farm etc how come he had time to go ’clay pigeon shooting’ with the HOUSE SITTER. He’s treating her like a house GUEST.”

October 3 2007

“Adrian announced did not want to go Italy – wish I had not booked. I am really cross – upset.

October 7 2007

“Di B came to lunch. Adrian and she went off 1 1/2 hours clay pigeon shooting whilst I cooked it.

“Tried to be ’understanding’ about this but does not feel right. Why should this woman be involved in recreational activities with my husband while I’m cooking lunch for them?”

October 12 2007

“Left for Birmingham airport with Linda (Wakefield, sister-in-law) for holiday in Sorrento.

“Told Linda that I thought he was v. interested in the house sitter (Di Bellamy) who had much more in common with him. Felt that he was attracted to her.”

October 19/20 2007

“Had row. Said he couldn’t wait to get ’rid of me’ out of his life.

“Said Di Bellamy was ’nice’, yes he liked her. Hesitated when I asked if he ’fancied her’. Say no more.

“Told me I was called the ’wicked witch’ by everyone. That I was incapable of finding a job, holding down a job/career.

“Reminded me of past bad experiences. Mocked me. Mocked the Italian music CDs I had brought home.”

November 2 2007

“Went to see accountant. Good meeting. Discussed main points of ’settlement’ proposal. Certain things clarified now.”

November 4 2007

“He asked for discussion about my meeting yesterday. Told him: accountant looked at figures said farm land risen vastly this year – still rising.

“Those figures related to the spring, was a different situation. Needed £800,000 to make up or maintenance.

“He said he would have to raise £1 mill for that so farm must be sold with a £170,000 debt on mortgage and I would lose out.”