Former wife of the ‘Suffolk Strangler’, Steve Wright, Diane Cole, shared her astonishing experience of discovering her ex-husband’s dark secrets in a casual manner during a coffee chat in her bungalow kitchen. Despite being 71 years old and wheelchair-bound, her recollection of the past remains vivid, haunted by memories of living with a man who turned out to be a vicious killer responsible for the murders of at least six women.
Back in 2006, the shocking revelation that Steve Wright, whom she had met on the QE2, traveled with, and ultimately married, was unveiled through a TV news broadcast. This revelation marked the beginning of a chilling series of events that shook the nation, as Wright was linked to the brutal killings of five sex workers in Ipswich during a reign of terror in the town’s red light district.
Diane recalled having eerie premonitions leading up to Wright’s arrest for the murders. Even before the authorities apprehended him, she sensed that he was the culprit behind the heinous crimes. Her intuition proved right as she watched the news unfold and witnessed the mistaken arrest of another individual before Wright was finally taken into custody. Despite the gravity of the situation, Diane admitted feeling a sense of relief and a calm acceptance, having long suspected the dark nature of her ex-husband.
Reflecting on her tumultuous past with Wright, Diane described how she felt a sense of evil emanating from him even in their early days of courtship. Their marriage, marked by abuse and infidelity on Wright’s part, eventually ended, leading Diane to seek refuge away from him and towards her family in the north east.
Following Wright’s conviction and sentencing to life in prison, Diane emerged from the shadows to share her harrowing story with the public, shedding light on the dark secrets she had carried for years. She expressed willingness to cooperate with law enforcement, believing that there may be more victims linked to Wright’s crimes, including the mysterious disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh, a case that has haunted her since their time together on the QE2.
As the quest for justice continues, Diane’s bravery in confronting the past serves as a beacon of hope for others affected by the sinister actions of individuals like Wright. The need for thorough investigations and accountability for the sake of the victims’ families remains paramount, urging authorities to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of truth and closure.
The poignant story of Kurtis Pratt, whose mother’s disappearance may be connected to Wright’s crimes, underscores the enduring pain and unanswered questions faced by those left behind. Pratt’s plea for recognition and closure highlights the importance of giving voice to the voiceless and seeking justice for those who have been silenced by tragedy.
Lucy Thornton, a seasoned News Reporter at the Daily Mirror, has been at the forefront of sharing stories that resonate with readers for over three decades. For inquiries or compelling narratives, reach out to Lucy Thornton at lucy.thornton@mirror.co.uk.