Steve Wright, convicted of murdering five women in Ipswich in 2006, wrote a letter from prison expressing deep hurt at his father's doubts about his innocence. In the letter, Wright said: 'You said in the paper that when you looked into my eyes you would know whether I was guilty or not. That really hurt me. It was like a knife in the heart for you to even contemplate that I could be capable of such a terrible crime.'
Handwriting expert Ruth Myers analysed the letter and described Wright as shy, secretive, and prone to self-denial. She said: 'These writers never show emotion... They're exercising control. Steve has written quite heavily. Because he doesn't communicate, these feelings build-up like a water tank until they suddenly explode.'
Wright, born in Norfolk in 1958, had a varied career including working as a steward on the QE2 liner, where he was filmed by Whicker's World in a Thai red light district. He later worked as a barman and fork-lift truck driver, and was twice married and divorced.
Despite his conviction, Wright maintained his innocence throughout his trial. His step-mother Val described him as 'a very gentle person' who never forgot birthdays or anniversaries. However, forensic evidence, including a fibre from his car carpet found in a victim's hair, led to his conviction.
In his prison letter, Wright also wrote: 'If I start to fall apart at the seams I don't think I could cope in here. I need to be strong to cope with this nightmare.'
