Murder suspect remanded until May

MEDIA attention returned to Ipswich today as the man accused of murdering five women in and around the town appeared in court for the second time.

Steve Wright, 48, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court at 10.30am today for an eight-minute preliminary hearing.

He travelled in a secure van under police escort arriving nearly an hour before his hearing in court one of the crown court.

Wright, of London Road, Ipswich stands accused of the murders of Tania Nicol, 19, Gemma Adams, 25, Anneli Alderton, 24, Paula Clennell, 24, and Annette Nicholls, 29.

He is alleged to have killed all five women between October 29 and December 13, 2006.

Wright appeared in court today dressed in the same black suit, white shirt and striped tie he wore at his first court appearance at South East Suffolk Magistrates' Court on December 22.

Speaking only to confirm his name, he expressed no emotion throughout the short hearing.

Flanked by three security guards and watched by about 25 journalists, Wright arrived in the court five minutes before the hearing was due to begin.

Jon Simpson, the partner of Miss Adams looked on, and stared at Wright from time to time.

Sat next to Mr Simpson was a middle-aged woman and either side of them were police family liaison officers.

Judge John Devaux, presiding, requested that a case summary was prepared by January 23.

Wright's defence barrister Gregory Perrins then informed the court that he considered the case “live” and said an application would be made to move the hearing outside of Ipswich.

Michael Crimp, for the prosecution, informed the court that investigations were continuing into all five murders and said Wright's custody time limit expired on June 22.

Judge Devaux remanded Wright in custody and said venue and custody limits would be considered at the plea and case management hearing at Ipswich Crown Court on May 1.

He said the case would be heard by a High Court judge on that date.

Wright has not yet entered a plea.