Court packed for first appearance

By Joe Boyle
BBC News, in Ipswich

Mr Wright's arrival at court attracted much media attention

The first court appearance of Steven Gerald James Wright - the man accused of murdering five women in Suffolk - took place in Ipswich.

There was a heavy police presence along the road in front of Ipswich Magistrates' Court and metal barriers had been erected to keep the road clear.

But while camera crews and television presenters jostled for positions, the public largely stayed away.

The 48-year-old suspect arrived in a white police van, closely escorted by officers in two cars.

Minutes later he emerged from the cells into the dock of court number three, smartly dressed in a dark blue suit, with his white thinning hair combed to the side.

Victims' names

About 60 journalists crowded into the small court room.

Mr Wright stood in the dock flanked by two policemen and spoke in a soft, almost inaudible voice to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

In flat expressionless tones, the court clerk read out the details of the charges against him - including the names of each of the women he is accused of killing.

He is charged with murdering Gemma Adams, 25, Anneli Alderton, 24, Tania Nicol, 19, Paula Clennell, 24, and Annette Nicholls, 29.

Mr Wright stared intently at the clerk - his expression remaining unchanged.

Defence solicitor Paul Osler confirmed that there would be no application for bail.

Peter West, chairman of the magistrates, addressed Mr Wright directly, explaining his next appearance would be at Ipswich Crown Court on 2 January for a preliminary hearing.

The defendant was then led away back to the cells.

The whole process had lasted barely five minutes.