Backpacker, 26, in court over writer’s killing had been on farm just 3 weeks
AN ITALIAN backpacker accused of murdering an animal lover on a remote farm had been volunteering there for only three weeks, it has been revealed.
Luigi Gian Palmas, 26, appeared in court yesterday charged with the murder of Katherine Bevan, a veterinary pharmacist, on January 3.
Her body was found in a bull pen at a farm in Gittisham, Devon, where she lived and cared for cattle.
Her death was initially believed to have been a tragic accident. But after a post-mortem examination at the weekend, police launched a murder investigation and arrested Palmas.
An acquaintance of Palmas revealed he had been volunteering at Combe Farm – an Arabian horse stud – for about three weeks. It is understood he had been recommended by an Italian friend who had previously worked there and was respected by the team.
It came as Palmas appeared at Exeter Magistrates’ Court charged with Mrs Bevan’s murder.
The suspect, who was joined by an Italian translator, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth at the short hearing. Wearing a grey tracksuit, he held his head in his hands and shook it in disbelief as he was told he would be remanded in custody. Palmas was also charged with assault by actual bodily harm relating to an incident in Exeter on January 20.
The case was sent to Exeter Crown Court, where Palmas will next appear on February 20. Mrs Bevan began volunteering at Combe Farm in Gittisham – once described by Prince Charles as his ‘ideal English village’ – five years ago, and recently released a book called Knowing Daisy, which chronicles her relationship with calves Daisy and Dandelion, which were both rescued and taken to the farm. She wrote affectionately about her time there, saying: ‘The
farm is part of a larger estate and is set in what must be the most beautiful location I have ever found. Michael Harris, who runs Combe Farm, described Mrs Bevan as a ‘lovely, wonderful person’.