Camden Ripper jailed for life

The man dubbed the Camden Ripper was given three life sentences for killing women to satisfy his "depraved and perverted" sexual cravings.

Anthony Hardy, 53, had admitted the murders which all took place at his flat in Camden, north London, last year.

Old Bailey judge Mr Justice Keith told him he would have to decide later whether Hardy could ever be released on licence by recommending a minimum term.

He told Hardy: "Only you know for sure how your victims met their deaths but the unspeakable indignities to which you subjected the bodies of your last two victims in order to satisfy your depraved and perverted needs are in no doubt."

The judge said: "I shall have to decide whether your release on licence should ever be considered."

Hardy, of Royal College Street, Camden, north London, pleaded guilty to murdering Sally White, 31, Elizabeth Valad, 29, and Brigette MacClennan, 34, who all died last year. Hardy had previously denied their murders but changed his plea within minutes of appearing in dock.

Parts of the dismembered remains of Miss MacClennan and Miss Valad, who both lived in London, were found in bin bags in the early hours of December 30, 2002. The body of Miss White, who also lived in London, was found in January last year, in his flat.

Malcolm Swift QC, defending, said earlier that Hardy "accepts he used excessive force in the course of otherwise consensual but extreme sexual activity but maintains he did not have an intention to kill."

Mr Swift added: "He wishes to express to everyone concerned his sorrow for his inexcusable actions. The expression of remorse is directed particularly to the families of the deceased."

Camden Ripper Anthony Hardy was previously investigated for a series of rapes and an indecent assault, it emerged.

Scotland Yard confirmed the sex-obsessed killer who slaughtered three prostitutes was a suspect in three rapes and one indecent assault, but there was insufficient evidence against him. "We did investigate three rapes and one indecent assault," a Yard spokeswoman said. "We submitted a file to the Crown Prosecution Service. We were advised there was insufficient evidence."

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