LONDON – Detectives yesterday said they had charged a 40-year-old man with the murders of three women from Bradford who worked as prostitutes.
The head of West Yorkshire’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) named the man as Stephen Griffiths, accused of murdering sex workers Suzanne Blamires (36), Shelley Armitage (31) and Susan Rushworth (43).
“I have decided that there is sufficient evidence to charge Stephen Griffiths with their murders, and that it is in the public interest to do so,” said CPS head Peter Mann.
Griffiths was set to appear at Bradford Magistrates’ Court this morning to be remanded in custody to appear at Bradford Crown Court later in the day.
Earlier detectives confirmed human remains found in a river in West Yorkshire were those of prostitute Ms Blamires, missing since last Friday.
Griffiths, who media reported to be a criminology student specialising in serial killers, was arrested on Monday on suspicion of killing three prostitutes in Bradford.
The investigation has rekindled memories of “the Yorkshire Ripper” Peter Sutcliffe, named after the notorious Victorian murderer “Jack the Ripper”, blamed for killing five women in east London in 1888 but never found.
Bradford lorry driver Sutcliffe was jailed for life in 1981 for the murder of 13 women and the attempted murder of seven others during a killing spree in the 1970s and 1980s when he mainly targeted prostitutes.
Mr Man said, “Following the arrest earlier this week of Stephen Griffiths, the Crown Prosecution Service has been working closely with West Yorkshire Police.
“I have carefully considered all of the evidence provided to me arising from their investigation into the murders of Suzanne Blamires, Shelley Armitage and Susan Rushworth.
“Accordingly, I have authorised the police to charge him this afternoon. He will appear at Bradford Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning . . . The events of the last few days have understandably been very upsetting for the families and friends of Suzanne, Shelley and Susan as well as for the wider public in Bradford.
“Their families have been informed of my decision by the police and I hope soon to be able to meet them and explain the trial process to them and answer any questions they may have.
“Mr Griffiths now stands charged with three extremely serious criminal offences and has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be published that could prejudice his trial.” – (Reuters, PA)