​A wealthy landowner was facing a life sentence last night for the murder of his estranged wife, whose body has never been found.

Retired teacher Kate Prout, 55, vanished from the £1.2 million farm she shared with her husband Adrian Prout during acrimonious divorce proceedings.

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Adrian Prout

Prout, 47, who owns a successful pipe-laying business and runs a commercial pheasant shoot, was today found guilty of her murder at Bristol Crown Court.

Mr Justice Nigel Davis reserved sentencing for Monday – but warned Prout, from Redmarley, Gloucestershire, he faces mandatory life imprisonment.

Following the verdict, Mrs Prout’s emotional family urged Prout to reveal where her body was hidden and end their anguish.

Mrs Prout’s brother, Richard Wakefield, who burst into tears as the guilty verdict was read out, made a statement outside court.

Mr Wakefield, 59, from Lypiatt, Gloucestershire, accompanied by his wife, Linda Wakefield, said: “Nothing will bring Kate back to us, but we are pleased that justice has been done.

“It is a big relief that the trial has ended with this verdict and this will go some way towards allowing us to move forward.

“We would, however, appeal to Adrian to tell us what happened to Kate and where she is because we would like to lay her to rest and say our goodbyes.”

Asked about his feelings toward Prout, Mr Wakefield said “it is sad Adrian has come to this” and he and his former brother-in-law previously “got on well”.

Prout, who has become a father with his fiancee, Debbie Garlick, since Mrs Prout’s disappearance, was expressionless when the verdict was read out.

Outside court, Ms Garlick, shielded by friends and family, shouted “he’s innocent” as she walked away.

The jury heard Mrs Prout confronted her husband with an increased divorce demand the day before she went missing – November 5 2007.

Kate Prout

The couple were living in Redhill Farm, in Redmarley, a 276-acre property purchased in 2004 for £820,000 and later valued at £1.2 million.

Prout offered his wife a settlement of £600,000, but after discussion with accountants she decided to demand £800,000.

The couple met and married in 2000, when Prout was living in a caravan.

Paul Dunkels, prosecuting, told the court Prout moved his daughter from a previous relationship – Laura – into the couple’s home in 2006, which created “friction” in the household.

Mrs Prout left diary accounts of arguments during which Prout, from Redmarley, Gloucestershire, threatened to kill her.

The jury heard Mrs Prout recalled an incident in February 2007 when, according to her, Prout “threatened to kill her” by holding her over the empty swimming pool at their home.

After a brief attempt at reconciliation, the Prouts decided to proceed with divorce.

Mrs Prout rented a holiday cottage in September 2007 with her half-sister near Salisbury, Wiltshire.

The estranged wife made arrangements for house sitter Diane Bellamy to care for the home while she was away. Ms Bellamy would look after the four dogs, collect the chicken’s eggs and make meals for Prout.

Following Ms Bellamy’s first stay at the farm, she and Prout formed a friendship.

Shortly before Prout reported his wife missing, he and Ms Bellamy met for lunch at a pub near Gloucester where he told her someone had “taken” Mrs Prout away.

Mr Dunkels told the jury: “The defendant appeared to be uptight, saying she had been horrible to his daughter. Diane Bellamy confronted him, asking him what he had done.

“He replied ’Don’t ask me. They’ve taken her away. Don’t ask me any questions’.”

Ms Bellamy received a text message from Prout on the morning of November 5 which read: “I love you Di.”

Mrs Prout confronted her husband with her increased divorce settlement demand on November 4 – the day before her disappearance.

The last time anyone heard from her was 3.29pm, when she called her bank First Direct.

Since then no agencies had any contact with her, including banks and passport agencies.

In evidence, Prout denied murdering his wife, but conceded there was a risk he would have to sell his “dream” farm to meet her £800,000 divorce demand.

After the verdict, Acting Detective Superintendent Neil Kelly, who led the investigation, said Prout had shown “no remorse” for his actions.

He said: “This investigation proved particularly challenging for the force because the body of Kate Prout has never been found.

“This has made what happened more distressing for her family, who have never been able to say a proper goodbye.

“Throughout the investigation and the trial, Adrian Prout has shown no remorse for his actions and has failed to assist the police in any way.”

Mr Kelly said following today’s conviction and after Prout’s sentencing on Monday, Gloucestershire Police may make fresh attempts to locate Mrs Prout’s body.

Prout, who wore a black suit, blue shirt and tie, was found guilty by a majority of verdict of 10 to one. He was remanded in custody until his sentencing on Monday.

DON'T MISS TODAY'S CITIZEN AND GLOUCESTERSHIRE ECHO FOR AN EXCLUSIVE BACKGROUND REPORT INTO THE PROUT MURDER CASE