Man held after veterinary pharmacist’s body found in bull pen at horse farm
Death was not initially treated as suspicious but post-mortem examination triggered murder inquiry
POLICE have arrested a man on suspicion of murder after a veterinary pharmacist was found dead in a bull pen at an Arabian horse farm in Devon.
Katherine Bevan, 53, was discovered at Combe Farm in Gittisham, near Honiton, on Jan 3, but police only launched a murder investigation after a post-mortem examination last Saturday, initially treating her death as not suspicious.
She is understood to have helped around the farm, caring for her horse, Matisse, and a herd of cattle.
In addition to her time spent there, Ms Bevan had also worked for 10 years at the Vale Veterinary Group as a stock manager and was responsible for the purchasing and management of medicines.
She was also a published author, writing a book about her experiences at Combe Farm, titled Knowing Daisy which was published just before Christmas.
The owner of the horse-breeding farm paid tribute to her yesterday, describing her as a “very special person.”
Michael Harris, who has been breeding and training show and endurance horses there for nearly 40 years, said: “Katherine was a very, very dear friend and a wonderful person. She was the most amazing person and we miss her so very much.
“Everyone here is obviously very upset but we have been told by the police we cannot say anything at the moment.”
Nancy Abdel, 38, worked with Ms Bevan for a short period but said the pair built a strong bond. She added: “Kate is by far the most compassionate person I’ve ever met in my life.
“She was very bubbly and very cheerful, always finding the good in people and very forgiving. It’s so very sad that somebody as amazing as her with her life and all the amazing plans she had for the future will not now accomplish them. I’m devastated.”
Matt Foad, who runs the Vale Veterinary Group, said: “Kate worked tirelessly to help make The Vale the place that it is, and her efforts have helped provide a better service to all of our clients. Her passing has shocked us all.” At the time Ms Bevan’s body was discovered police said the death was not being treated as suspicious. But two weeks later, after the post mortem examination results, they launched a murder investigation. Devon and Cornwall Police said they had arrested a 26-year-old local man on suspicion of murder and that he was in custody.
The farm is set on sprawling grounds and is home to dozens of horses, as well as other animals. Mr Harris started his career with thoroughbreds, breeding a Newmarket six-furlong track record holder, as well as a stud – sire of a second place winner in the Grand National. He judges Arabians nationally and internationally, was director of the Royal Stud of Oman and is a past president of the Arab Horse Society.
In Knowing Daisy, Ms Bevan wrote: “It was horses that first brought me to Combe Farm but it would be cattle who would change my life for ever.”
She described the farm as “the most perfect location I have ever found. A stunning landscape, amazing views and a charm all its own.”
‘Katherine was a very, very dear friend. She was the most amazing person and we will miss her so much’