21/02/2008

Wright Found Guilty Of Suffolk Prostitute Murders

Steve Wright has been found guilty at Ipswich Court of murdering five prostitutes.

The 49-year-old former pub landlord from Ipswich in Suffolk had denied murdering Gemma Adams, 25, Tania Nicol, 19, Anneli Alderton, 24, Paula Clennell, 24 and Annette Nicolls, 29.

Their naked bodies were all found over a 10-day period in December 2006 in remote locations around Ipswich.

During the six-week trial, the jury of nine men and three women heard how two of the bodies found had been arranged with their arms outstretched in a crucifix pose. Forensic evidence, which revealed Wright's DNA on three of the women and fibres also found were able to link him to all five women.

He admitted to having visited prostitutes in the area, and of having sex with four of the victims, however he insisted he did not kill them.

The prosecution argued he "systematically selected and murdered" all of the women during a six-and-a-half-week period while stalking the red-light district when his partner, Pam Wright, 59, was working night shifts in a call centre.

It is likely Wright will be sentenced on Friday, and Peter Wright QC, prosecuting called on the judge to impose a "whole life term".

(JM)

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