21/12/2010

'Crossbow Cannibal' Pleads Guilty

A Bradford University student who branded himself the 'Crossbow Cannibal' has pleaded guilty to murdering three women.

At Leeds Crown Court, Stephen Griffiths, 40, admitted murdering Suzanne Blamires, Shelley Armitage and Susan Rushworth.

Ms Blamires, 36, Ms Armitage, 31, and 43-year-old Ms Rushworth all worked as prostitutes in Bradford.

In May Griffiths, of Thornton Road, was arrested and later charged with the women's murders by West Yorkshire Police after CCTV footage of him attacking Ms Blamires at his Bradford block of flats was discovered by a caretaker at the complex.

The following day Ms Blamires' remains were recovered from the River Aire sparking a major search and recovery operation.

Police were also investigating the disappearance Shelley Armitage and Susan Rushworth.

Griffiths was charged with all three murders on 27 May.

(BMcN/GK)


Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

07 June 2010
Date Set For Bradford Deaths' Case
A provisional trial date has been set for a man accused of murdering three women in the Bradford area. 40-year-old Stephen Griffiths, of Thornton Road, Bradford, appeared at the city's crown court via video link from Wakefield Prison, as a provisional date of 16 November was set.
27 May 2010
Body Parts 'Match' Missing Bradford Woman
Police in West Yorkshire have confirmed that human remains found in the River Aire are those of missing Bradford woman, Suzanne Blamires. The body parts were recovered from the river in Shipley on Tuesday, after being discovered by a member of the public who then reported the find to police.
18 March 2010
Public To Decide On Youth Punishment
Communities in Yorkshire and Humberside affected by crime are to get a say in how young people who offend are punished. 'Making Good' gives local people the chance to have their say on how young people should be held to account for their crimes and helps offenders understand the impact their actions have had on the community.
20 July 2004
Four arrested following Beeb's BNP documentary
Four men have been arrested today following the broadcast of a BBC documentary on the British National Party. A 23-year-old Bradford man was arrested in connection with racially aggravated public order offences, and a 35-year-old man and a 40-year-old man, both from Keighley, were arrested in connection with conspiracy to commit damage.
27 August 2013
MS And Parkinson's Sufferers Told They Are Fit To Work
Almost half of people with some progressive conditions, including Parkinson's, who put in a claim for the sickness benefit Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), are being told they will recover enough to look for work in the future.