Killer caught 'cruising' day before first body found

Police in England caught Steve Wright “cruising” Ipswich’s red light area the day before the first body was found, jurors were told today.

Prosecutor Peter Wright told the court that Wright had been stopped and questioned in the early hours of December 1.

“In the small hours of December 1, his partner (Pamela Wright) was at work,” said Mr Wright.

“The defendant was again out cruising the red light district of Ipswich.

“He was driving his Mark III Mondeo and seen driving slowly by police officers on duty in the area.”

Mr Wright said police stopped the car and asked Wright why he was in the area.

“His response was that he couldn’t sleep and so he had gone out for a drive,” added Mr Wright.

“In addition he gave the impression that he was unaware that the area of Ipswich in which he was driving was the red light district.

“This, we say, was palpably untrue.

“He lived locally and was a frequenter of prostitutes. His lie was not out of embarrassment, it was designed to conceal what his real motive was in being out that night.

“In the event you may conclude he elected not to continue his efforts to locate a suitable victim. He chose to return home and bide his time. He did not have to wait long. It was only two days later that another woman (Anneli Alderton) went missing.”