Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner commits to making the county safe for women
It follows the Suffolk Strangler Steve Wright pleading guilty to the murder of Victoria Hall
Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner has said he is “relieved and pleased” after serial killer Steve Wright admitted the kidnap and murder of teenager Victoria Hall more than 25 years after her death.
Tim Passmore described the development as bringing an “appalling murder case to a close”, while acknowledging the continued sadness surrounding the crime.
He said: “Well, I'm relieved and pleased. I don't mean in a happy sense. Steve Wright has pleaded guilty. So this brings this appalling murder case to a close.
“It goes without saying, friends and relatives of Vicky Hall, that poor woman who was murdered all those years ago, at least they now know what happened and who the culprit was.
“So it's a very sad day in many ways, but there has to be some relief, I think, for everybody.”
Mr Passmore said he hoped the guilty plea would prevent further distress for those affected by the case.
“I'm glad this has not been a protracted process for various people having to relive the agony and trauma of that case,” he said.
“On balance, yes, it's a good result for Suffolk, but more particularly, it's a good result for Vicky Hall's friends and relatives.
“I hope now others remaining with us, they can now come to terms with what's happened and life can continue with the certainty of knowing what actually happened.”
Violence against women and girls
Mr Passmore said the case highlighted the importance of ongoing work to tackle violence against women and girls.
“That particular case going back all those years… I think is the worst case I've ever heard of. And I've lived in the county all my life so far,” he said.
“And I hope something like this never ever happens again.”
He added that partnership work between police, responsible authorities, charities and voluntary organisations had helped improve support for victims, but warned further progress was needed.
“We still have 9,000 cases of domestic abuse and violence that are recorded, which is only half the story in Suffolk. So there is more to do,” he said.
“Suffolk does remain a very safe place to live and work in. We have the third lowest recorded crime rate in the country… But nevertheless, this is only part of the story. So more to do.”
Supporting victims
The Commissioner also confirmed continued support for organisations working with victims of sexual offences, including the charity Brave Futures.
“We've been talking to Brave Futures, who deal with sexual offences, particularly to adolescents and younger children, a particularly heinous crime,” he said.
“And we're fully supporting them… Resources are going to this, more resources, and our grants and commissioning, regardless of what government decides to do, that work is going to continue in the longer term.”
He added: “We all have a responsibility in society, be we young or old, regardless of our background, to try and bring the culprits to justice and reduce this terrible, terrible crime… So that's what we're about, and we will be continuing with that work.”