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A woman narrowly escaped an attempted abduction by notorious serial killer Steve Wright over two decades ago. Emily Doherty’s harrowing experience, which occurred in the early hours of 18 September 1999, has resurfaced following Wright’s recent admission of guilt regarding this attempted kidnapping, alongside the murder of 17-year-old Victoria Hall. The revelations provide chilling insight into the predatory behaviour of a man already serving a life sentence for the murder of five women in Suffolk.
A Night to Remember
Emily Doherty was just 22 years old when she found herself in a life-threatening situation. After leaving a nightclub in Felixstowe, she became separated from her friends near High Road East. It was then that she encountered Wright, who was parked in a car with the engine running and the driver’s door ajar. Initially mistaking his presence for benign, Emily quickly sensed danger when she noticed the unsettling way he was gazing at her.
In a desperate bid to escape, Emily ran away, armed herself with a stick, and sought refuge in a nearby garden. “The car then leaves Picketts Road and turns into the next road, Park Avenue, a cul-de-sac, giving a clear indication that this individual is seeking to remain close,” explained prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC during a recent court hearing. This sequence of events illustrated Wright’s intent as he pursued Emily, who was hiding and crouched down in fear.
The Pursuit and Aftermath
The court heard that Wright, demonstrating a predatory instinct, drove around the area numerous times searching for Emily. “It’s clear he is looking for her and is creating the opportunity he can successfully grab her,” Ledward remarked. In a frightening twist, as Wright drew nearer, he even greeted Emily with a casual “Alright?” — a chilling reminder of how close he was to achieving his sinister objective.
Emily’s ordeal came to a close when a concerned homeowner noticed her distress and invited her inside for safety. The judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, stated that Wright’s actions constituted a significant step towards committing kidnapping, transitioning from mere preparation to an actual attempt.
A Long-Awaited Justice
Steve Wright, now 67, has been implicated in a string of heinous crimes. He has already been convicted for the murders of five women in 2006, and his recent admission of guilt concerning Emily’s kidnapping attempt and the murder of Victoria Hall highlights the enduring impact of his crimes. Wright’s initial plea of not guilty was changed on Monday, leading to a sentencing hearing scheduled for Friday.
Victoria Hall, who had been missing since 19 September 1999, was later found deceased five days later, 25 miles away from where she was last seen. The case had long haunted Suffolk police, and a renewed investigation was launched on the 20th anniversary of her disappearance in 2019, ultimately leading to fresh developments in the case.
Why it Matters
The resurfacing of Emily Doherty’s traumatic experience not only underscores the chilling reality of predatory behaviour but also highlights the importance of continued vigilance and support for survivors of violent crime. As the justice system addresses past atrocities, the testimonies of victims like Emily serve as powerful reminders of the need for public awareness and safety measures against such threats. The case reinforces the imperative for communities to remain alert and proactive in ensuring the safety and well-being of their members.
