Suspected Serial Killer is Former QE2 Steward

[dougnewmanatsea]

Apparently the suspected Ipswich prostitute murderer Steve Wright is was once a steward aboard QE2.

 

The Times and the Independent both mentioned his former employment in the first sentence of their articles on the hearing today. The Guardian had it advertised even more prominently, in a sub-headline. The Telegraph didn't mention ships at all except to say that he was once a dock worker in Felixtowe (something the other articles interestingly omitted).

 

I thought it rather interesting how prominently this was featured in most of these articles, considering that it doesn't seem to have anything to do with the case. But really, if a murder suspected had once worked aboard QE2 it is indeed something we would expect the press to report on, just as if he had worked as a waiter at the Dorchester, or as a salesman at a Rolls-Royce dealership. On the other hand I doubt it would make the news so prominently if he'd once been a steward on a cross-Channel ferry, a waiter in a Holiday Inn or a salesman at a Skoda dealer!

 

Somehow it is always seen as more shocking and sordid if a suspected criminal is perceived to have rubbed shoulders with the upper crust, rather than only having contact with "regular people".

 

Anyhow, I suppose we should be thankful that liners, and the QUEENs especially, still have enough glamour to them that they always make the news even if the connection with the actual story is very tenuous indeed...

 

I just wonder if Steve Wright will be added to Cunard's list of "famous people who have sailed in QE2". I suspect not!

[mufi]

When he appeared for the first time at the magistrates court he was wearing a new suite and tie, bought at his request by the police, because he wished to be properly dressed for the "occasion"

 

Figures really, but could this only happen in England?

 

David.

[DaddyWarbucks]

Yes, it's a tenuous connection. But consider that he had the key(s) to at least 10 staterooms. What could Agatha Cristie done with that?:rolleyes:

[cusyl]

OMG :eek:

[Anteeta]

When he appeared for the first time at the magistrates court he was wearing a new suite and tie, bought at his request by the police, because he wished to be properly dressed for the "occasion"

 

Figures really, but could this only happen in England?

 

David.

 

Oh please.................

 

I assume you meant suit because he'd look rather odd clad in a sofa and 2 armchairs.

 

Surely he just wanted to ensure he made the best impression at magistrate's court. I hope the deire to look as good as possibl happens in places other than England. Postings on this site seem to suggest that's the case.

[Anteeta]

Apparently the suspected Ipswich prostitute murderer Steve Wright is was once a steward aboard QE2.

 

The Times and the Independent both mentioned his former employment in the first sentence of their articles on the hearing today. The Guardian had it advertised even more prominently, in a sub-headline. The Telegraph didn't mention ships at all except to say that he was once a dock worker in Felixtowe (something the other articles interestingly omitted).

 

I thought it rather interesting how prominently this was featured in most of these articles, considering that it doesn't seem to have anything to do with the case. But really, if a murder suspected had once worked aboard QE2 it is indeed something we would expect the press to report on, just as if he had worked as a waiter at the Dorchester, or as a salesman at a Rolls-Royce dealership. On the other hand I doubt it would make the news so prominently if he'd once been a steward on a cross-Channel ferry, a waiter in a Holiday Inn or a salesman at a Skoda dealer!

 

Somehow it is always seen as more shocking and sordid if a suspected criminal is perceived to have rubbed shoulders with the upper crust, rather than only having contact with "regular people".

 

Anyhow, I suppose we should be thankful that liners, and the QUEENs especially, still have enough glamour to them that they always make the news even if the connection with the actual story is very tenuous indeed...

 

I just wonder if Steve Wright will be added to Cunard's list of "famous people who have sailed in QE2". I suspect not!

 

For the benefit of non UK readers, I think there needs to be some perspective here. The case is drawing high media interest, for a range of reasons. Whoever is responsible for the death of these poor unfortunate girls is a misguided individual at best.

 

The tabloid press ran reports about the 'QE2 link' prior to the hearing and included pics. I have some reservations about the relevance or otherwise of the information. It's merely a fact of the defendant's background. His occupation some 25 plus years ago may have little bearing on or relevance to the current charges.

 

And as for 'upper crust' v 'regular people'.....what's all this about? I dined a couple of weeks ago, albeit in Caronia, with a table neighbour who interpreted dress jacket as a windcheater worn with a shirt and tie. Neither uppercrust nor regular I'd say. Let's not be too pretentious about this. The facts are a man has been charged with 5 murders. He may have been a QE2 steward for a while 25 or 30 years ago. For my part, I wouls prefer no such link, tenuous or otherwise. But the gutter press will always look for dirt and sadly the broadsheet values are ever deteriorating.

[mufi]

Oh please.................

 

I assume you meant suit because he'd look rather odd clad in a sofa and 2 armchairs.

 

Surely he just wanted to ensure he made the best impression at magistrate's court. I hope the deire to look as good as possibl happens in places other than England. Postings on this site seem to suggest that's the case.

 

I am sure that he did "deire" to make the best "possibl" immpression.

 

The point is that he was not in any way in a normal situation, and it is most unusual for an accused to be that bothered about his appearance, or indeed to request or be given the means to be able to look his best there.

 

Did his QE2 connection have anything to do with that. Discuss - no big deal.

 

David.

[durangoscots]

You know how the press loves to sensationalize the cruise industry. This QEII connection ..... Norovirus, which to hear it from the press never strikes anywhere but cruise ships. (It is amazing how many people have asked me if I am not afraid to take a cruise because I may catch it .... I tell them I have had it at home several times). He could just of easily been have an ex-hotel employee or a used car salesman. Just makes us all that little bit more paranoid. :eek:

[Anteeta]

I am sure that he did "deire" to make the best "possibl" immpression.

 

The point is that he was not in any way in a normal situation, and it is most unusual for an accused to be that bothered about his appearance, or indeed to request or be given the means to be able to look his best there.

 

Did his QE2 connection have anything to do with that. Discuss - no big deal.

 

David.

 

Yes OK David, touche (can't do the acute accent). My opening comment was actually intended to be a joke rather than an insult. I see no point in slagging fellow FMs with common interests. So hatchet buried?

 

I don't agree that it's unusual for a defendant to be concerned about his/her appearance in court. I spent some years closely involved profesionally with alleged miscreants. One of their prime concerns following arrest and questioning was what they would wear in court. Sometimes outfits were purchased (using the defendant's own funds)but more usually friends or relatives ensured that suitable attire was available.

 

I don't think the issue of his alleged QE2 'link' is relevant to anything, so there doesn't seem to be a topic for discussion.

[Kindlychap]

I don't agree that it's unusual for a defendant to be concerned about his/her appearance in court. I spent some years closely involved profesionally with alleged miscreants. One of their prime concerns following arrest and questioning was what they would wear in court. Sometimes outfits were purchased (using the defendant's own funds)but more usually friends or relatives ensured that suitable attire was available.

 

I don't think the issue of his alleged QE2 'link' is relevant to anything, so there doesn't seem to be a topic for discussion.

 

It is certainly the case that one often sees a sign of a hastily bought/borrowed suit in the Magistrates' Court. Quite apart from anything else it often works to their advantage. I'm often surprised that more advocates don't advise their clients to dress well.

 

Whilst I don't see the QE2 connection is either useful or relevant, I do feel that the suggestion (if this was the suggestion that was being made) that somehow it was improper for the Police to assist this man to present himself well in court is wrongly made.

 

For one thing, he's innocent at this point. He is facing a long period in custody until he is tried, and will be on Rule 43 for that time (Rule 43 is the prison rule that allows those convicted of offences that place them at risk from other prisoners to be housed separately. Often, but far from exclusively, for those who are charged or convicted of sex offences involving children). The press will be doing their worst, and anything that can be done to redress this is humane.

 

However inhuman the acts he may have committed, he still has rights and to diminish those results is to diminish both ourselves and our society.

 

Matthew

[Rotterdam]

Apparently the suspected Ipswich prostitute murderer Steve Wright is was once a steward aboard QE2.....

 

Anyhow, I suppose we should be thankful that liners, and the QUEENs especially, still have enough glamour to them that they always make the news even if the connection with the actual story is very tenuous indeed..."

 

 

So any press is better than no press.....

 

Its a murder! Whether the accused worked on a ferry or QE2 has nothing to do with the deaths of those women by any sick individual!

[Kindlychap]

Its a murder! Whether the accused worked on a ferry or QE2 has nothing to do with the deaths of those women by any sick individual!

 

Of course it hasn't.

 

But it is newsworthy.

 

What that says about our media is another question entirely.

[durangoscots]

ooops!!! QE2!!! I plead a senior moment and too much snow shoveling.

 

Susan (Colorado)

[travel-to-go]

Okay,

My observations:

 

1) This gent obviously could do Queens Grill or other dressy dining option. After all, he didn't want to wear Jeans for court! :p

 

2) If it is true that he worked as a steward, obviously he knows that clothes DO make an impression, good or bad. Smart of him to request the attire.

 

3) Over here (US) often lawyers will counsel their clients about suitable attire for court- Some have no choice (wearing prison issue jumpsuits) some don't care or are too busy showing "attitude" (Yeah, I'm tough) Their image to their "Friends" is more important than their image to the court. You never saw Fastow, or Ebbers or any of the other "upstanding citizens" in many of the economic fraud cases dressed down. They

all wore suits. Helps present them as "upstanding citizens"

 

3a) I have seen suite typed many times for suit. Is this a British spelling, or just a common misspelling?

 

4) Sadly, many people are more about image than substance. A man in a suit couldn't be a murderer, a drunk wears ragged filthy clothes, prostitutes have lives not worth saving.

How many slick-suited snake oil salesmen have conned the elderly out of their savings? How many girls, down on their luck, have turned to the world's oldest profession to get by? How many suited professionals have convinced themselves that they do not have a drinking problem if they are not on skid row? (BTW, I once dated a stock broker- very natty dresser- who had been a heroin addict, even as he was very successful in the stock business)

 

5) Anteeta and I cannot type. I usually try to proof it- I am THAT bad! But sometimes, in a fit of pique, you hit send too quickly. That does not take away from her message, and it is a poor man who uses typos (or even misspellings) as an argument against the person's point. It's like saying you can't be smart or have good ideas or be a leader because you are fat. Or your opinion doesn't count because you are of a different ethnicity. These arguments are put forth by people who cannot put forth a coherent argument or are afraid they are losing, (or angry) so make personal attacks. There've been times I've been tempted to leave certain typos in- they seemed so Freudian at the time!

 

6) Obviously, whoever this perpetrator is, he has deep-rooted emotional problems. Unfortunately, it is our society's ways of portraying all sorts of people, whether people proseltyzing against sex, or the expectations for girls and women over and over, by movies, rock divas, beauty pageants, advertising of all sorts, that convince some women AND men that a woman's worth is tied to her body- whether she is worthless for not being a virgin, (while a man is considered a success the more women he beds) or worth more if sexy and beautiful, or the age-old "nothing without a man" I'm not a whacko feminist, (well, I am a feminist, and some consider me a whacko, but the two are not related!) just someone who believes that these life-long images from the media and elsewhere thrown at us shape our opinions, our options, and our aspirations/perceived limitations. These women were first people. We do not know their circumstances. I do not judge them. (I always said my dream job was to be a high priced call girl...but only if I got to pick the customers. Can you image getting to "do it" with Paul Newman, Ian Fleming, (Okay I'm showing my age here!) Leo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, or whoever the latest hunk is... and getting money, too!!)

 

Well, just idle musings on a Saturday night.

My mind wanders. I have a lot on it, I would rather not face. The holidays are not always pleasant for everyone. In fact, for many, it brings sadness, even comparisons that they don't live in the "perfect family" like a Rockwell print. Blended famiies, children having to decide between divorce parents, (or spouses between in-laws) heightened expectations that don't always mirror reality, sadness for those seperated by war, loss, or for whatever reason, when they think everyone around them is joyously happy (well, it looks like that on the TV ads, right? )

 

Like I said, just pensive.

Much caring to all, as the year draws to a close, whatever your situation, whatever your walk of life. And speaking of a previous thread- To the gay couples who may not be able to fully participate in the famliy rituals that would be unquestioned for a straight couple. Blessings upon all of you. My thoughts go out to those suffering any sadness, or feeling of less than whole-ness. Many watch from the sidelines. That's okay, Too much is made of this holiday, to the exclusion of those who cannot or don't want to participate. After all, it is (Supposed to be) a Christian holiday. Not every one is Christian. It is a hard time of year to be other than the Western Civilization "Mainstream." And while we're at it- So many forget what the holiday really means, although I seem to be seeing a slight taming of the gimme gimme atmosphere of greed and consumerism, and more on the true meaning of the holiday, both its religious aspects and the feelings behind it.

Sorry,

Again, a lot on my mind, including those who are sad or less fortunate than I am.

 

Karie,

who knows, that even when she is down, life has certainly blessed her greatly, and tries to never forget that.

[mufi]

, I do feel that the suggestion (if this was the suggestion that was being made) that somehow it was improper for the Police to assist this man to present himself well in court is wrongly made.

 

 

I agree, the point I was making was certainly not that it was in any way improper for the police to do this. In my experience they have in the past been less than helpful to the accused who have on occasions appeared wrapped in a blanket. I thought this was a good guesture to a guy with so much to handle.

 

David.

[Kindlychap]

I agree, the point I was making was certainly not that it was in any way improper for the police to do this. In my experience they have in the past been less than helpful to the accused who have on occasions appeared wrapped in a blanket. I thought this was a good guesture to a guy with so much to handle.

 

David.

 

David,

 

Perhaps we ought to keep your appearances before the beak under wraps! ;)

 

Matthew

[Kindlychap]

Okay,

My observations:

 

2) If it is true that he worked as a steward, obviously he knows that clothes DO make an impression, good or bad. Smart of him to request the attire.

 

We don't know who requested it.

 

3) Over here (US) often lawyers will counsel their clients about suitable attire for court- Some have no choice (wearing prison issue jumpsuits) some don't care or are too busy showing "attitude" (Yeah, I'm tough) Their image to their "Friends" is more important than their image to the court. You never saw Fastow, or Ebbers or any of the other "upstanding citizens" in many of the economic fraud cases dressed down. They all wore suits. Helps present them as "upstanding citizens"

 

Very much the same here. Defendants always have the option of appearing in their own clothes for Court. To me it appears as wholly inappropriate to have prison clothing for Court, as it implies guilt. It is very rare in England for a defendant to be handcuffed in court - and requires a specific application by the prosecution on behalf of those dealing with the dock. Many prosecutors refuse to make these applications in the routine way that the prisoner escort services expect.

 

3a) I have seen suite typed many times for suit. Is this a British spelling, or just a common misspelling?

 

A suite is either furniture or rooms. In both cases there is need for more than one. Hence most "suites" in hotels and on board ship are nothing of the sort! (Just to keep this on topic!). Clothes are always "suit".

 

In other words, just a mis-spelling.

 

4) Sadly, many people are more about image than substance. A man in a suit couldn't be a murderer, a drunk wears ragged filthy clothes, prostitutes have lives not worth saving.

 

Exactly why prison jump suits are outrageous in Court!

 

Matthew

[mufi]

David,

 

Perhaps we ought to keep your appearances before the beak under wraps! ;)

 

Matthew

 

Not guilty m'lud.

 

David.

[whylion]

I read in the recent edition of People that Steve Wright, suspected of murdering five prostitutes in Ipswich, used to be a steward on the QE2. The article mentioned this in passing, but I was curious if anyone knows anything else about it. Thanks!

[flag fan]

In the U.S. a lawyer that didn't advise his client on how to dress to make the best impression would probably be guilty of malpractice, particularly in such a publicly-prominent case where the future members of the jury will get their first impression of the defendant from the news media and the initial television coverage. I do not think it is a question of vanity, but of tactics--clothing and appearance convey a subliminal message. A well-dressed professional-looking person is less likely to be seen as a murderer than a leather-jacket-wearing tatoo-covered unshaven man, although obviously neither look is relevant as to guilt or innocence. But people are human and we all are unconciously influenced by such "irrelevant" factors when judging people. (I am a U.S. lawyer, but do not litigate.)

[FranKes2000]

I am finding this interesting as I crossed the Atlantic on QE2 in 1984 but you say he was in the grill, so I would not have met him. I was in Tables of the World, now called Mauretania Restaurant.