Killings probe 'fantasist' jailed

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Andrew Purdy, 44, of Baylham, Suffolk, was given a three-month prison sentence after appearing at Ipswich Magistrates' Court, said the Crown Prosecution Service.

Purdy, who admitted wasting police time, had made nearly 30 calls to officers after the women's bodies were found near Ipswich in December, prosecutors said.

In December, Purdy, who described himself as a property developer, was featured in newspapers after attending a memorial service for the women at a church near Ipswich.

At the service Purdy told a Press Association reporter that he befriended Ipswich prostitutes and tried to help them.

Prosecutors said after featuring in the media Purdy had made 27 calls to police, complaining that he was receiving threats, and officers had investigated.

They said Purdy had previous convictions for making similar false claims in relation to other crimes.

District Judge David Cooper described Purdy as a "fantasist" who was "sad and stupid". He said Purdy's behaviour was "morally wrong" and had wasted thousands of pounds."

The judge said he was imposing a jail term to deter others.

Steve Wright, 48, of Ipswich, has been accused of murdering the five women - Tania Nicol, 19, Gemma Adams, 25, Anneli Alderton, 24, Paula Clennell, 24, and Annette Nicholls, 29 - and is next due to appear in court in Ipswich in May.