Man on trial over prostitute murders

A man is due to go on trial over the murders of five prostitutes whose bodies were found near Ipswich, Suffolk, in December 2006.Former pub landlord Steve Wright, 49, denies murdering Gemma Adams, 25, Tania Nicol, 19, Anneli Alderton, 24, Paula Clennell, 24, and Annette Nicholls, 29.The five women were found at remote locations near the town during a ten-day period.An inquiry was launched after Miss Nicol vanished on October 30, 2006.Just over two weeks later, Miss Adams' body was discovered in a brook at Hintlesham on December 2, 2006 while on December 8, Miss Nicol's body was found in water in the nearby village of Copdock.The body of Miss Alderton, who had not been reported missing, was found in woodland at Nacton on December 10, 2006 and two days later, the bodies of Miss Clennell and Miss Nicholls were found in woodland at Levington.Wright was charged on December 21, 2006 after being arrested early on December 19, 2006 at the home he shared with his partner.He pleaded not guilty to the five murder charges at a hearing at Ipswich Crown Court in May 2007.Wright's trial is scheduled to begin in court number one at Ipswich Crown Court before judge Mr Justice Gross. It is expected to last at least six weeks.Wright, a keen golfer who has also worked as a barman, lorry driver and fork-lift truck driver, has a legal team led by Timothy Langdale QC.© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.

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ITN | January 14, 2008

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