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A police officer outside Ipswich Crown Court. Photo: PA Wire
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A 49-year-old man denied today that he murdered five prostitutes.
Steve Wright, of Ipswich, Suffolk, pleaded not guilty to murdering Gemma Adams, 25, Tania Nicol, 19, Anneli Alderton, 24, Paula Clennell, 24, and Annette Nicholls, 29, when he appeared before Mr Justice Calvert-Smith at Ipswich Crown Court.
Wright, a former forklift truck driver, was charged late on December 21 after being arrested at his home early on December 19.
He appeared before magistrates in Ipswich on December 22 and was remanded in custody.
The five women were found dead near villages south of Ipswich during a 10-day period in December. They all worked as prostitutes in the town.
Police launched an inquiry after Miss Nicol vanished on October 30.
More than 500 officers from more than 30 forces worked on the case.
Wright, who was wearing a black suit, white shirt and blue tie, spoke clearly to answer "Not Guilty" as each of the five murder charges were outlined to him by a court official.
Barristers then began legal discussions which were expected to last most of the afternoon.
The trial is likely to begin on January 14 next year.
The judge said the case would continue to be heard in Ipswich and not moved to a court in another part of England.
Prosecutors said the trial is likely to last between six and eight weeks.
Copyright Press Association 2007
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