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01/06/2006
Ripper 'committed more crimes', report claims
The Yorkshire Ripper probably carried out more crimes than those he was convicted for, a previously secret report has suggested.
The Byford Report, which was released under the Freedom of Information Act, said that there had been an "unexplained lull" in the Ripper's activities between 1969, when he first came to the attention of police, and 1975, when the first officially recognised Ripper attack took place.
Peter Sutcliffe was jailed for life in 1981 for the murders of 13 women and the attempted murders of seven others between 1975 and 1980.
The inquiry into the West Yorkshire police investigation was carried out by former inspector of the constabulary Sir Lawrence Byford in 1982, but was kept secret for nearly 25 years.
In the report, Sir Lawrence said: "We feel it is highly improbable that the crimes in respect of which Sutcliffe has been charged and convicted are the only ones attributable to him.
"This feeling is reinforced by examining the details of a number of assaults on women since 1969, which, in some ways, clearly fall into the established pattern of Sutcliffe's overall modus-operandi."
The report also suggested that detectives investigating the Ripper murders had made "major errors of judgement" during the investigation.
Sutcliffe had been questioned and released nine times during the inquiry.
The investigation was also the target of a hoax - letters and a tape, purporting to be from the killer, which changed the focus of the investigation.
The hoaxer became known as Wearside Jack and changed the focus of the inquiry to Sunderland in the search for the killer, because the voice on the tape had a strong Wearside accent. Sutcliffe, however, was born in West Yorkshire and lived in Bradford.
In March, John Humble, who had admitted to being Wearside Jack, was sentenced to eight years for attempting to pervert the course of justice.
(KMcA/SP)
The Byford Report, which was released under the Freedom of Information Act, said that there had been an "unexplained lull" in the Ripper's activities between 1969, when he first came to the attention of police, and 1975, when the first officially recognised Ripper attack took place.
Peter Sutcliffe was jailed for life in 1981 for the murders of 13 women and the attempted murders of seven others between 1975 and 1980.
The inquiry into the West Yorkshire police investigation was carried out by former inspector of the constabulary Sir Lawrence Byford in 1982, but was kept secret for nearly 25 years.
In the report, Sir Lawrence said: "We feel it is highly improbable that the crimes in respect of which Sutcliffe has been charged and convicted are the only ones attributable to him.
"This feeling is reinforced by examining the details of a number of assaults on women since 1969, which, in some ways, clearly fall into the established pattern of Sutcliffe's overall modus-operandi."
The report also suggested that detectives investigating the Ripper murders had made "major errors of judgement" during the investigation.
Sutcliffe had been questioned and released nine times during the inquiry.
The investigation was also the target of a hoax - letters and a tape, purporting to be from the killer, which changed the focus of the investigation.
The hoaxer became known as Wearside Jack and changed the focus of the inquiry to Sunderland in the search for the killer, because the voice on the tape had a strong Wearside accent. Sutcliffe, however, was born in West Yorkshire and lived in Bradford.
In March, John Humble, who had admitted to being Wearside Jack, was sentenced to eight years for attempting to pervert the course of justice.
(KMcA/SP)
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20 October 2005
Man remanded over Ripper hoax
A man has been remanded in custody in connection with the 'Wearside Jack' hoax letters and tape sent during the Yorkshire Ripper investigation. John Humble, 49, was arrested in Sunderland on Tuesday. He appeared before Leeds Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon charged with perverting the course of justice.
Man remanded over Ripper hoax
A man has been remanded in custody in connection with the 'Wearside Jack' hoax letters and tape sent during the Yorkshire Ripper investigation. John Humble, 49, was arrested in Sunderland on Tuesday. He appeared before Leeds Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon charged with perverting the course of justice.
09 March 2011
Yorkshire Ripper Loses Life Tariff Bid
The Yorkshire Ripper has lost his case to go to the highest court to challenge an order that he should never be released. In 1981 Sutcliffe received 20 life sentences for murdering 13 women and attempting to murder seven others in Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
Yorkshire Ripper Loses Life Tariff Bid
The Yorkshire Ripper has lost his case to go to the highest court to challenge an order that he should never be released. In 1981 Sutcliffe received 20 life sentences for murdering 13 women and attempting to murder seven others in Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
20 March 2006
Ripper hoax accused pleads guilty
A man has admitted being the Yorkshire Ripper hoaxer known as 'Wearside Jack' in court today. John Humble, 50, a former labourer from Sunderland, had previously pleaded not guilty to four courts of perverting the course of justice, but changed his plea.
Ripper hoax accused pleads guilty
A man has admitted being the Yorkshire Ripper hoaxer known as 'Wearside Jack' in court today. John Humble, 50, a former labourer from Sunderland, had previously pleaded not guilty to four courts of perverting the course of justice, but changed his plea.
26 October 2005
Ripper hoax accused remanded
A man accused of being the Yorkshire Ripper hoaxer known as ‘Wearside Jack’ has been remanded in custody until the New Year. Leeds Crown Court refused John Humble, 49, from Flodden Road on the Ford Estate in Sunderland, bail on Wednesday.
Ripper hoax accused remanded
A man accused of being the Yorkshire Ripper hoaxer known as ‘Wearside Jack’ has been remanded in custody until the New Year. Leeds Crown Court refused John Humble, 49, from Flodden Road on the Ford Estate in Sunderland, bail on Wednesday.
23 February 2006
Man admits to 'Wearside Jack' hoax
A man has admitted to being the Yorkshire Ripper hoaxer known as Wearside Jack at Leeds Crown Court today. However, John Humble, 50, a former labourer from Sunderland, has denied intending to pervert the course of justice.
Man admits to 'Wearside Jack' hoax
A man has admitted to being the Yorkshire Ripper hoaxer known as Wearside Jack at Leeds Crown Court today. However, John Humble, 50, a former labourer from Sunderland, has denied intending to pervert the course of justice.
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