Police assault charge dropped against prostitute in Crossbow Cannibal case

Bradford prostitute Shelley Armitage, whose remains were was discovered in the River Aire at Shipley last week, was due to be sentenced at the city Crown Court for assaulting a police officer.

The 31-year-old, who was known to have drink and drugs problems and had been classed as a missing person, had missed two court appearances before her remains were found.

Ms Armitage, of Allerton, Bradford, was last seen on Rebecca Street in the city centre on 26 April. She was spotted on CCTV walking a short distance along a street before turning around and retracing her steps.

Judge John Potter, sitting at Bradford Crown Court, discharged the case during a three-minute hearing.

Prosecutor Jonathan Devlin said: "Her remains have been found and there is an ongoing case in relation to her death."

Stephen Griffiths, 40, who described himself as "the crossbow cannibal", has been charged with the murder of Ms Armitage and fellow sex workers Suzanne Blamires, 36, and Susan Rushworth, 43.

Body parts found in the river on May 25 were later found to be those of Suzanne Blamires. The body of Susan Rushworth, who went missing a year ago, has not yet been found.

Griffiths, who was reported to have made a suicide attempt earlier this week, has been remanded in custody at Wakefield Prison and is due to appear before Sheffield Crown Court on July 16.