A man (48) has appeared in court today accused of murdering five women in Ispwich.
Former forklift truck driver Steve Wright, of Ipswich, Suffolk, appeared before magistrates in Ipswich charged with the murders of Gemma Adams, 25, Tania Nicol, 19, Anneli Alderton, 24, Paula Clennell, 24, and Annette Nicholls, 29.
Wright was charged last night after being arrested at his home on Tuesday morning.
He was remanded in custody until January 2nd.
Wright was dressed in a dark blue suit, white shirt and blue striped tie for his court appearance. He spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.
He was seated throughout the five minute hearing in the dock at court number three flanked by three police officers.
Robert Sadd, prosecuting, gave a brief outline of the case to magistrates Peter West, Renu Mandal and Mark Shackell.
Mr Osler, for Wright, told the court that he was not making any application for bail. The court clerk outlined the murder charges and told the magistrates that the killings were alleged to have taken place between various dates in early December.
She listed the names of the prostitutes and said Wright was accused of the murder of each one.
Wright stood to confirm his personal details but was told he could sit throughout the rest of the hearing.
Mr West, who chaired the panel of magistrates, told Wright that he was being remanded in custody until 10.30am on January 2.
Mr West told Wright that the next court appearance would be at Ipswich Crown Court. Around 60 journalists were packed into the courtroom for the five-minute hearing.
Outside the court there was a heavy police presence and roads were lined with crash barriers.
A small crowd of onlookers gathered to watch Wright arrive in a police van escorted by police cars and motorcycle outriders.
PA