Sole Survivor of Suffolk Strangler Accuses Police of Negligence in Subsequent Murders
Emily Doherty, the only known surviving victim of serial killer Steve Wright, has publicly asserted that several women murdered by Wright might still be alive today if law enforcement had taken her initial report seriously. In a harrowing account, Doherty recounts how police dismissed her as a "silly little girl" after she narrowly escaped Wright's attempted kidnapping in September 1999.
A Terrifying Escape and Police Dismissal
In September 1999, a 22-year-old Emily Doherty was walking home from a nightclub in Felixstowe, Suffolk, when she encountered Steve Wright, later infamous as the 'Suffolk Strangler'. Wright attempted to abduct Doherty, but she managed to sprint away and hide in a nearby garden, arming herself with a stick during a 40-minute ordeal. Despite her clear distress and providing partial vehicle registration details, police reportedly told her to "forget about it" and declined to take a formal statement.
Devastating Consequences and Survivor's Guilt
Wright went on to murder five women in and around Ipswich in December 2006, for which he is serving a whole-life prison term. Additionally, he recently admitted to the kidnap and murder of 17-year-old Victoria Hall, which occurred just one day after Doherty's escape. Hall's body was discovered five days later in a ditch 25 miles away. Doherty expressed profound survivor's guilt, stating, "It's devastating what happened to everyone else... if they had taken me seriously, Vicky could have survived, but certainly if they had found him sooner the five other women would still be here."
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Impact
At a recent Old Bailey hearing, Wright admitted to the attempted kidnapping of Doherty and the murder of Victoria Hall. Doherty, now speaking out in her first interview, highlighted the emotional burden she carries, noting, "I'm suffering massively from survivor's guilt... It's a burden that I carry. There's the guilt of not being heard. It makes me feel sick with grief." Her allegations raise serious questions about police responsiveness and the potential prevention of further crimes.
Key Details of the Case:- Incident Date: September 1999 in Felixstowe, Suffolk.
- Victim: Emily Doherty, then 22, escaped attempted kidnapping.
- Perpetrator: Steve Wright, known as the Suffolk Strangler.
- Subsequent Crimes: Murder of Victoria Hall (1999) and five women in Ipswich (2006).
- Police Response: Doherty claims officers dismissed her report without investigation.
- Current Status: Wright serving whole-life term; sentencing pending for additional charges.
This case underscores critical issues in law enforcement protocols and victim support, with Doherty's testimony shedding light on the tragic consequences of alleged negligence. As Wright faces sentencing, the focus remains on accountability and the enduring impact on survivors and victims' families.
