An Ipswich man to face charges for murdering five prostitutes

London, Dec 22 (UNI) Former forklift truck driver Steven Wright today appeared at the town's magistrates' court to face charges for allegedly murdering five prostitutes.

Wright is charged with the murders of Gemma Adams, 25, Tania Nicol, 19, Anneli lderton, 24, Paula Clennell, 24, and Annette Nicholls, 29. He was charged yesterday after being arrested at his home on Tuesday morning.

Former forklift truck driver Steven Wright was driven to the courthouse in Ipswich in a police van, followed by motorcycle escorts.

Detectives launched a murder inquiry after the bodies of the women were found near villages south of Ipswich during a ten-day period earlier this month.

Detective Chief Superintendent Stewart Gull, who headed the investigation, announced that Wright was charged at a media conference at Suffolk police headquarters. He said a 37-year-old man - named by sources as Tom Stephens - had been released on police bail without charge pending further inquiries.

Mr Stephens was arrested at his home in Trimley St Martin, Suffolk early on Monday.

The Crown Prosecution Service's senior prosecutor Michael Crimp said a team of CPS lawyers had been in close contact with detectives since the arrests were made earlier this week.

''As this case has developed, we have been carefully examining and assessing the evidence,'' he said.

''This evening we have made the decision that there is sufficient evidence and authorised Steven Wright... should be charged with murder.'' UNI XC LL KN1837