Murderer revealed of woman linked to Ripper

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 genetic evidence has led detectives to believe that Christopher Smith bludgeoned to death Preston mother of two Joan Harrison.

Serial offender 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 had still been alive.

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

Mrs Harrison’s battered body was found in a disused lock-up garage in Preston in November 1975 two nights after she disappeared. 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.

It is understood 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 in 1978 as West Yorkshire Police received the first of three letters purporting to be from the Ripper.

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Signed “Jack the Ripper”, it said: “Up to number eight now you say seven but remember Preston 75, get about a bit you know.”

More than 20 years later, the messages were proved to be from hoaxer John Humble, known as Wearside Jack.

In 1981 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.

Det Chief Supt Graham Gardner, head of crime for Lancashire Constabulary, said: “Joan lost her life in a most brutal way and despite the enormous efforts of all those originally involved, no charges were ever brought.

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“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 Smith would have been charged with her murder, had he been alive today.”

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

Det Chief Supt Gardner added: “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.”

Smith’s confession note 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.

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“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 grandkids and my daughter. I cannot go back to prison any more. 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.”