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02/07/2008
Wright Is Refused Appeal Bid
The man convicted of killing five prostitutes has been refused leave to appeal.
Steve Wright, 49, was jailed for a 'whole life sentence' at Ipswich Crown Court in February.
At his sentencing, Judge Mr Justice Gross said that "it is right that you should spend your whole life in prison" and that it was a "targeted campaign for murder".
Mr Justice Gross also highlighted the "macabre" way Wright had arranged two of the women's bodies in a crucifix form.
The court had heard that he picked up the women while they worked in the streets around his home.
He had argued that he had intercourse with the women but had not killed them.
He was identified because his DNA had been added to the national database for an earlier conviction of theft.
Blood belonging to two of the victims had been found on Wright's reflective jacket along with specks of blood in his car.
Wright, a former forklift truck driver, claims that he was "unable to receive a fair trial" and that his legal team did not advise him properly.
However, a judge has written to the convict, refusing his appeal on the grounds that it was "fair" and that his defence team "did their job".
The killer was sentenced after a six-week trial where jurors found him guilty of all five murders.
The naked bodies of Gemma Adams, 25, Tania Nicol, 19, Anneli Alderton, 24, Paula Clennell, 24 and Annette Nicholls, 29, where found over a 10-day search near Ipswich in December 2006.
The families of Nicol and Clennell have called for the death penalty to be reintroduced.
The Nicol family said in a statement: "In no way has justice been done. These crimes deserve the ultimate punishment."
Cleveland police have said they have not ruled out a link between Wright and the murder of Vicky Glass, a heroin addict who vanished from Middlesbrough in September 2000.
Wright has 14 days to resubmit his grounds for appeal, which would be considered by a panel of three judges.
However, it is understood he has been refused legal aid and he would have to fund such an action by himself.
(DS)
Steve Wright, 49, was jailed for a 'whole life sentence' at Ipswich Crown Court in February.
At his sentencing, Judge Mr Justice Gross said that "it is right that you should spend your whole life in prison" and that it was a "targeted campaign for murder".
Mr Justice Gross also highlighted the "macabre" way Wright had arranged two of the women's bodies in a crucifix form.
The court had heard that he picked up the women while they worked in the streets around his home.
He had argued that he had intercourse with the women but had not killed them.
He was identified because his DNA had been added to the national database for an earlier conviction of theft.
Blood belonging to two of the victims had been found on Wright's reflective jacket along with specks of blood in his car.
Wright, a former forklift truck driver, claims that he was "unable to receive a fair trial" and that his legal team did not advise him properly.
However, a judge has written to the convict, refusing his appeal on the grounds that it was "fair" and that his defence team "did their job".
The killer was sentenced after a six-week trial where jurors found him guilty of all five murders.
The naked bodies of Gemma Adams, 25, Tania Nicol, 19, Anneli Alderton, 24, Paula Clennell, 24 and Annette Nicholls, 29, where found over a 10-day search near Ipswich in December 2006.
The families of Nicol and Clennell have called for the death penalty to be reintroduced.
The Nicol family said in a statement: "In no way has justice been done. These crimes deserve the ultimate punishment."
Cleveland police have said they have not ruled out a link between Wright and the murder of Vicky Glass, a heroin addict who vanished from Middlesbrough in September 2000.
Wright has 14 days to resubmit his grounds for appeal, which would be considered by a panel of three judges.
However, it is understood he has been refused legal aid and he would have to fund such an action by himself.
(DS)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
