Fears over Ipswich drugs problem

AN AUTHOR who has just finished researching prostitutes in Ipswich for a script has today said the drug problems in the town may hinder the murderer being caught.

It was two years ago when Ray Hollingsworth was visiting the red light district in the town as a paying customer that his fascination for prostitutes started.

Since then he has visited dozens of street workers and says every single one has had a major drug dependency which he feels is more important to the women than catching the serial killer.

Mr Hollingsworth, of Colchester, said: “I came to the district about two years ago to use a prostitute. I brought her back to my house and when I heard her story it triggered an interest into their lives.

“There have been times when I have used the girls for their services but most of the time it was for research purposes.”

He said there have been times when he has had to drive the women to crack dens in the town at three o'clock in the morning because they were so desperate for a fix.

Mr Hollingsworth, who is a father and grandfather, said: “Their decision making is so alien to the way most people would react so it is quite difficult to understand for us. I don't think people realise how big their cravings for these drugs are. It is the first thing and the last thing they think of in the day and I fear it could be bigger to them than catching the murderer.

“They may even refuse to go to the police with evidence because getting their fix is too important.”

He said that although the county has been portrayed as a safe place to live with the lowest crime rate in England there is a massive problem with drugs in Ipswich.

He added: “Drugs are a major problem in Ipswich and this is reflected in the prostitutes who work the streets.”