A former publican accused of murdering five women in Suffolk during a six-week killing spree appeared in court yesterday at the start of his trial.

A jury heard that Steve Wright, 49, of Ipswich, Suffolk, denies murdering the five women between October 29 and December 13, 2006. The bodies of the five, who all worked as prostitutes, were found at remote locations around Ipswich in December 2006 in a ten-day period.

Mr Wright, wearing a dark single-breasted suit, white shirt and tie, spoke only to confirm his name during his appearance at Ipswich Crown Court.

He was flanked by four officers as he listened intently via a pair of headphones from behind a glass panel to the barristers setting out the timetable for his trial, which is expected to last six to eight weeks.

During the day 114 potential jurors were whittled down to 24 after filling out a questionnaire about any association they may have with some witnesses, the deceased and certain occupations, including the media.

In an unusual move the judge used a video link to address the assembled jurors, who were in another room.

Mr Justice Gross told them: “The nature of this case is such that I must ask you to fill in a questionnaire that will be given to you as part of the process of jury selection. It goes to the heart of our system of justice.”

He said that everyone selected for jury service was expected to do his or her service, but the court was not unreasonable and he understood if people had booked holidays or had hospital appointments or had “some other significant good reason why they should find it difficult to be a member of the jury”.

He added: “I do emphasise the word significant.”

The judge said: “There are also in this case a number of reasons why it may be inappropriate for some of your number to sit on this jury.”

Twelve jurors were selected and another twelve have been held in reserve. They have been told to return tomorrow morning when the prosecution is due to open the case.

Mr Justice Gross told the jurors that they must ignore any media reports that they read or saw about the case and must not do their own research.

He added: “Do not try to obtain information elsewhere — for example, on the internet about the case.” Because of the media interest in the case the proceedings are being shown in a neighbouring court that will be fed by video link.

Mr Wright's legal team is being headed by Timothy Langdale, QC. The prosecution is being led by Peter Wright, QC.

The victims

Gemma Adams 25. Last seen on Nov 15, 2006. Found on Dec 2. Grew up in village outside Ipswich, lost contact with family at 17

Tania Nicol 19. Disappeared on Oct 20, found in river on Dec 8. Had worked in several massage parlours in the town

Anneli Alderton 24. A mother of one found in woodland outside Ipswich on Dec 10. Grew up in Cyprus

Paula Clennell 24, mother of three. Originally from Newcastle. Found on Dec 12 in same wasteland as Annette Nicholls

Annette Nicholls 29. A mother of one. Found on Dec 12 near village of Levington. Had finished four-year course to be a beautician

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