Steve Wright, known as the Suffolk strangler, displayed a smirk while in court as the brother of his sixth victim recounted the enduring pain and suffering inflicted on their family.
On Monday, Wright, aged 67, confessed to abducting and murdering 17-year-old Victoria Hall, who disappeared over 25 years ago in a village near Felixstowe.
He also admitted to attempting to kidnap Emily Doherty, then 22 years old, in the Suffolk port town the day before. Wright was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years for these crimes on Friday.
Steven, who was 15 when his sister was killed, expressed, “Our family was unwillingly forced into a group no one desires to be part of due to the actions of a man seeking selfish gains.”
“Victoria, only 17, had her entire life ahead of her – university, career, marriage, children – none of which she had the chance to experience.”
“I have lost my sister, and my parents lost their daughter who brought immense joy to us with her dancing and her wonderful personality.”
“For 26 years since I was 15, I have lived not knowing what happened to my sister.”
“The resolution does not provide closure; it merely clarifies the perpetrator. The enduring pain and suffering continue for us.”
Victoria, hailing from Trimley St Mary in Suffolk, left her residence on September 18, 1999, to visit the Bandbox nightclub in Felixstowe with a friend. Her naked body was discovered in a ditch five days later in Creeting St Peter, approximately 25 miles from her last sighting. Wright abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered her before discarding her body.
The condition in which Victoria was left caused indescribable anguish to her mother Lorinda, who passed away in December before Wright faced justice, as per the court’s information.
Prior to his sentencing, Wright entered Court 10 with an air of arrogance, engaging in casual conversation with a dock officer as if unconcerned. Extra seats were arranged in the court to accommodate numerous media representatives present.
Physically large, bald, and wearing thick, black-rimmed glasses, the former QE2 steward resembled an ordinary elderly individual, a stark reminder of the mundane nature of evil.
He limped towards his seat in the dock, observing journalists and the public gallery with a sharp eye before being guided to his place by a guard.
Only a few feet away sat Steven, his father Graham, and Victoria’s best friend Gemma Algar in the court’s well.
Wright’s oversized, loose grey sweatshirt barely concealed his large stomach, seemingly hindering his movements.
Initially hesitant to rise as Justice Joel Bennathan entered the court, Wright eventually stood as requested by the clerk, visibly straining his bulky, six-foot frame.
During the sentencing after lunch, Wright declined to stand as the judge arrived. Putting on his glasses, he appeared slightly flushed as the sentence was delivered.
With an impassive expression, Wright stared directly at Mr. Justice Bennathan as the judge remarked, “Even if this were your sole life sentence, considering your evident danger… it is highly improbable you would ever be released.
“Given your other atrocious crimes, it is almost certain you will perish in prison.”
