Diane Cole, the former spouse of convicted serial killer Steve Wright, has bravely shared her harrowing experiences of abuse during their tumultuous marriage. Now 71, Cole reflects on the years of control and violence she faced at the hands of Wright, who has recently made headlines by admitting to the murder of 17-year-old Victoria Hall—a crime he committed in 1999, well before he was convicted for the murders of five women in Ipswich in 2006.
A Troubling Past
Cole met Wright while they were both working on the QE2 cruise ship and later opened a pub in Norwich in the late 1980s. She described how, initially, their relationship seemed normal, but it quickly devolved into a nightmare. “He just started to control me and then got violent,” Cole recounted, highlighting the escalating nature of Wright’s abusive behaviour.
The physical violence she endured often required hospital visits, with police even intervening after incidents where Wright had severely harmed her. “He was terrible; I couldn’t read him at all. I never knew what he was going to do next,” she lamented, illustrating the unpredictability and fear that marked her life with him.
A New Revelation
Wright, who is currently serving a life sentence, was recently sentenced to an additional 40 years for the murder of Victoria Hall. His admission of guilt regarding Hall’s murder marks the first time he has publicly confessed to any of his crimes. This revelation has sparked renewed interest in the possibility of Wright being linked to other unsolved cases, including the disappearances of Kellie Pratt and Amanda Duncan.
Diane expressed her surprise at Wright’s admission, stating, “I only hope he comes clean about any more,” indicating her hope that he will reveal the full extent of his actions and provide closure to the families of his victims.
Life Under Control
Cole described the psychological toll of living with Wright, saying that his domineering nature left her feeling “penniless” and unable to defend herself. “He loves his temper—quick—for no reason at all. It was just awful; very violent,” she recalled. The emotional scars from her time with Wright remain profound, with Cole admitting that she felt like a failure due to the manipulation and control he exerted over her life.
Despite the trauma, Diane was able to leave Wright and return to her hometown of Hartlepool, where she began to rebuild her life. However, she noted that during their time together, she had no inkling of the horrors Wright would later be convicted for.
The Call for Truth
As the investigation into Wright’s past continues, Diane hopes for further clarity regarding his actions. “I expect them to turn up, and there could well be more,” she stated, alluding to the possibility of additional victims linked to her ex-husband. Her desire for Wright to confess fully reflects a yearning for justice—not just for the victims, but also for their grieving families.
Why it Matters
Diane Cole’s harrowing account sheds light on the often-hidden struggles faced by victims of domestic abuse, even when their abuser is later revealed to be a serial killer. Her courage to speak out not only highlights the personal ramifications of living with someone like Wright but also serves as a reminder of the broader societal issues surrounding violence against women. Understanding these dynamics is crucial in fostering a culture that prioritises safety and supports survivors in their quest for justice.
