Suffolk killings trial date set

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The trial of a 49-year-old man who is charged with murdering five women in Suffolk last year is due to start in January 2008, a court has been told.

Steve Wright, of Ipswich, denies killing Gemma Adams, 25, Tania Nicol, 19, Anneli Alderton, 24, Paula Clennell, 24, and Annette Nicholls, 29.

The women, who worked as prostitutes, were found dead near Ipswich, during a 10-day period in December.

Mr Wright appeared at a pre-trial hearing in London.

He listened to the short pre-trial hearing from the dock before being remanded back into custody.

The women were found between 2 and 12 December

The court heard that Mr Wright is due to stand trial at Ipswich Crown Court on 14 January, next year.

Mr Wright, of London Road, Ipswich, appeared in court in a dark grey suit and tie.

He said nothing other than to confirm his name.

The Suffolk Police inquiry was one of the biggest England has ever seen and involved more than 500 officers from 30 forces.

The operation began when Miss Nicol was reported missing, having been last seen alive on 30 October.

On 15 November, police issued an appeal for information about a second missing woman - Miss Adams.

Then in early December the body of Miss Adams was found, followed soon afterwards by the discovery of Miss Nicol's body.

On 10 December, the body of Miss Alderton, 24, was found at Nacton, near Ipswich.

Two days later, the bodies of the two other women were found.