Ripper-link woman’s killer revealed

The killer of a 26-year-old woman whose murder was linked to the Yorkshire Ripper has finally been revealed more than 35 years later.

Fresh DNA evidence from the crime scene has led detectives to firmly believe that Christopher Smith bludgeoned to death Preston mother-of-two Joan Harrison.

Serial offender Mr Smith, 60, from Leeds, died in 2008 but the Crown Prosecution Service said police had gathered sufficient evidence to charge him with murder if he was still alive.

A three-page note by Mr Smith – penned the day before he died from a terminal illness – in which he seemingly admitted the murder was also found at his home which stated “I can’t go on with the guilt”, police said.

Ms Harrison’s battered body was found in a disused lock-up garage in Berwick Road, Avenham, in November 1975. A bite mark was found on her breast and several items of jewellery were missing including two gold wedding rings belonging to the twice-married victim.

Two nights earlier she had left her home in Deepdale to head for a drink in Preston centre.

It is understood that Mr Smith did not know his victim and may have come across her by chance after being released from a prison sentence he had served in the area.

The connection with Peter Sutcliffe came to light in 1978 – when the serial killer was still at large – as West Yorkshire Police received the first of three letters purporting to be from the Ripper.

Signed “Jack the Ripper”, it began: “I am sorry I cannot give my name for obvious reasons... I am the Ripper” and later added: “Up to number eight now you say sweven but remember Preston 75, get about a bit you know.”

Following Mr Sutcliffe’s capture and confession, those messages were proved to be from hoaxer John Humble, known as Wearside Jack.

In 1981, Mr Sutcliffe, from Bradford, was jailed for life for murdering 13 women and attempting to kill seven more, while Humble, from Sunderland, was jailed for eight years in 2006 for perverting the course of justice. Detective Chief Superintendent Graham Gardner, head of crime for Lancashire Constabulary, said: “This has been a long running and complex homicide inquiry for the Constabulary. Joan lost her life in a most brutal way and despite the enormous efforts of all those originally involved, no charges were ever brought.

“Advances in DNA interpretation over the years has finally allowed us to identify Smith as the man at the scene of Joan’s murder. That fact, coupled with other evidence we have gathered over recent months, has been sufficient to convince the Crown Prosecution Service that Mr Smith would have been charged with her murder, had he been alive today.”

Investigations into Mr Smith’s life have revealed a violent individual with a string of criminal convictions ranging from assault to theft to sexual attacks, he said.

Ms Harrison’s family were being offered support by trained officers.

Mr Gardner added: “It is with some regret that Smith is not still alive to stand trial for his crime. One can only try to imagine the sadness endured by Joan’s family over the years and I truly hope this development will finally bring some closure surrounding their tragic loss.”

John Dilworth, head of CPS Lancashire and Cumbria Complex Casework Unit, said: “In considering cases, the CPS has to decide if there is a realistic prospect of conviction and whether it is in the public interest for a prosecution to begin. Only after trial does a jury decide whether a person is guilty or not, on a higher standard of proof – beyond reasonable doubt.

“I have reviewed the evidence carefully and I have advised Lancashire Police that this recent development in their investigation has now revealed evidence that would have been sufficient to prosecute Christopher Smith, if he were alive. We cannot prejudge the outcome of a trial. However, had Mr Smith lived, my decision would have authorised the police to begin the legal process by charging him.

“The CPS agreed to look at the evidence on a deceased suspect because of the very exceptional circumstances of this case.”

Mr Smith’s confession note, dated January 29, 2008, read: “Two how (sic) ever it concerns I would like to put the record straight. I can’t go on with the guilt. I have lived with it for over 20 years.

“I am truly sorry for all the pain I have caused to anyone. Please believe me when I say I am sorry.

“I love my grand kids and my daughter. I cannot go back to prison anymore. Please God help my family who I worship. I have been out of trouble for over 20 years so please Gold help me.

“I am so sorry. God forgive me. I love you all forever.”