Killers of Pennie Davis described as 'evil' by police

“Pennie was a loving mother who doted on all her children and was just starting a new chapter in her life with husband Pete.

“Her death brought together the local community and I would like to thank everyone who supported our investigation and came forward with information.

“Pennie’s murder must have come as to a shock to many, particularly those who saw our armed response in the following days as we searched for Justin Robertson, who went on the run as our prime suspect.

“The pressure we put on him meant he eventually did the right thing and handed himself in.

“Pennie’s body was found by her husband in the field where she tended her horses.

"This remote location was a challenge for the investigation team who worked hard to piece together the events leading to her death and the evidence needed to place Robertson at the scene and secure a conviction.

“Both Robertson and Ben Carr denied their involvement but our investigation linked the men and proved they plotted together to have Pennie killed.

“Robertson is an evil and cold killer who was motivated by a relatively small amount of money. His lies through this trial were evident to the jury.

“Carr had a long-term hatred for Pennie. He tried to silence her once and for all and knew Robertson would do anything for money. "We never accepted his defence that he only wanted Pennie ‘frightened off,’ and neither did the jury.

"Carr planned her death in detail, ensuring he was out of the way at the time and had an alibi. This cold, calculated plan in my view makes him just as evil as Robertson.

“Both have now been found guilty and are facing the prospect of a lengthy jail term.

“Pennie's family have shown complete restraint throughout as they have had to listen to lies about her during the trial. "I would like to pay tribute to them and hope they can now seek some sort of closure following this painful experience.

“I would also like to thank all my officers and staff who were committed to this investigation and who, along with the Crown Prosecution Service and wider prosecution team, worked tirelessly to bring the offenders to justice. "The team’s professionalism is evidence of the constabulary’s high standards of investigation and our dedication to the communities we serve.”