Man remanded over Suffolk prostitute murders

IPSWICH, Jan 2 (Reuters) A man accused of the murders of five prostitutes in eastern England was remanded in custody after a brief court appearance today.

Steven Wright, 48, who was arrested on December 19 after one of the country's biggest manhunts, is charged with killing the women, whose naked bodies were found were found dumped over 11 days around the town of Ipswich in Suffolk.

The local police chief said the speed of the murders was unprecedented in British criminal history.

Wright, dressed in a black suit and surrounded by three security guards, spoke only to confirm his name during the 10-minute hearing at Ipswich Crown Court.

Judge John Devaux remanded him in custody until May 1 when he will enter a formal plea.

He is charged with the murders of Gemma Adams, Tania Nicol, Anneli Alderton, Paula Clennell and Annette Nicholls.

Wright's lawyer Paul Osler said his client, who is being held in London's high security Belmarsh jail, was feeling a sense of isolation.

''He hasn't seen any friends or family. Anybody is going to miss seeing their loved ones,'' Osler told Reuters.

''There's a worry about the charges, but given that he's bearing up well.'' Newspaper reports say Wright is a forklift truck driver and former steward on the Queen Elizabeth II cruise ship. He has three children and two former wives, according to reports.

Detectives launched the investigation on December 2 when Adams's body was found in a stream.

A 37-year-old man arrested in connection with the murder inquiry has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

REUTERS SY VV1752