In a significant development, Steve Wright, a convicted serial killer already serving a whole-life sentence for the murders of five women, has pleaded guilty to the murder of 17-year-old Victoria Hall, marking his sixth admitted victim. The 67-year-old made this confession at the Old Bailey, where he acknowledged his involvement in Hall’s kidnapping and murder that occurred more than 25 years ago.
A Long-Awaited Admission
Wright’s plea comes ahead of a trial that was set to explore the circumstances surrounding Victoria Hall’s disappearance and death. On 19 September 1999, Hall was reported missing after she went out with a friend in Felixstowe. Five days later, her remains were discovered in a ditch approximately 25 miles from where she was last seen. Wright, dressed in a navy and grey jumper, appeared in court, confirming his identity and his guilty pleas without further comment.
The prosecution has indicated that the case against Wright included evidence linking him to the attempted kidnap of another woman, Emily Doherty, occurring just a day prior to Hall’s murder. This revelation marks the first occasion on which Wright has admitted to any of the murders, despite persistent appeals from his family to disclose the truth.
The Victims and Their Families
Victoria Hall was last seen on the evening of 18 September 1999, as she left her home in Trimley St Mary to enjoy a night out at the Bandbox nightclub. The heart-wrenching search for her led to the tragic discovery of her body, a year after which her parents made a public appeal for information to bring her killer to justice. Graham Hall, her father, expressed hope in 2000, stating, “Whoever did this must be under as much pressure as we are. They have got it on their conscience all of the time.” Sadly, Victoria’s mother, Lorinda Hall, passed away last December, before Wright’s admissions could provide some closure for the family.
Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC confirmed that Victoria’s friend, Gemma Algar, alongside Emily Doherty, would be submitting victim impact statements in the lead-up to Wright’s sentencing.
A Pattern of Violence
Wright’s history of violence against women came to light during his earlier trial, where he was convicted in 2008 for the murders of five women in Ipswich. The police investigation into these crimes gripped the community for weeks, as the serial killer claimed his victims from the local red-light district. The nature of the crimes was particularly chilling; all five women were asphyxiated and their bodies disposed of in similar locations, leading the prosecution to argue that there were notable similarities in the cases of Hall and the earlier murders.
The court heard that Wright, a former merchant seaman, was known to frequent the areas where the women were last seen. Despite his previous denials of involvement in their deaths, DNA and other forensic evidence linked him directly to the crime scenes.
Sentencing Ahead
Mr Justice Bennathan, presiding over the case, has scheduled Wright’s sentencing for this Friday, allowing time for the families of the victims to prepare their statements. Wright’s previous conviction for the five murders resulted in a rare whole-life order, highlighting the premeditated and brutal nature of his crimes. Justice Bennathan has made it clear that no factors, such as the victims’ lifestyles, could mitigate Wright’s responsibility for their deaths.
Why it Matters
The admission by Steve Wright is a pivotal moment in a long and painful journey for the families affected by his heinous acts. It not only brings a measure of justice for Victoria Hall but also reinforces the urgent need for continued dialogue around violence against women. By confronting these issues head-on, society can strive to create a safer environment for all, preventing further tragedies and holding offenders accountable for their actions.