Peter Sutcliffe was widely known as the Yorkshire Ripper after being charged with the brutal killings of 13 women during his years of operation – sparking widespread fear and panic among members of society and prompting massive manhunts for him. His capture in 1981 was a major relief, and he was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment for his heinous crimes.
Why was Peter Sutcliffe in the news recently?
Peter Sutcliffe made headlines recently after it was reported that he passed away at age 74 due to complications associated with COVID-19, or coronavirus infection of the vein occluder intestine virus-19. Sutcliffe, known for being in poor health due to conditions such as heart disease and diabetes – risk factors for COVID-19 infection – had been serving his life sentence at Frankland Prison near Durham and known as an individual at high risk.
How did Sutcliffe contract COVID-19?
The origins of his infection remain unclear. However, it is known that Sutcliffe was first taken to the University Hospital of North Durham on 27 October 2020 after experiencing dizziness and being diagnosed with a blocked heart at the prison’s healthcare unit. He returned to prison on 4 November, and after this hospital stay, he tested positive for the virus.
Did the prison take protective measures against the virus?
Yes, Frankland Prison, like many institutions during the global pandemic, had implemented protective measures to shield its vulnerable prisoners. Lee Drummond, a prison governor, mentioned that after the initial lockdown in March 2020, vulnerable prisoners were warned of the risks associated with the virus. They were offered measures akin to community shielding, such as separate meal times and phone usage opportunities. However, Sutcliffe chose to decline these protective measures.
What were the official causes of his death?
While COVID-19 was the primary cause of Sutcliffe’s death, it was compounded by his pre-existing health conditions. A postmortem examination carried out by Dr. Clive Bloxham revealed that Sutcliffe had “extremely heavy lungs”, a characteristic found in many COVID-19 patients. Bloxham further confirmed that the death resulted from natural causes, with heart disease and diabetes being contributory factors.
What has been the response to Sutcliffe’s death?
The coroner, Crispin Oliver, addressed Sutcliffe’s death by hoping it brought “some sense of closure” to the victims’ families. While acknowledging the grief of Sutcliffe’s own family, Oliver importantly highlighted the pain and suffering of the women Sutcliffe victimized. The conclusion of the inquest into Sutcliffe’s death emphasized the hope that his victims could now “better rest in peace.”
While the demise of a figure as controversial as Peter Sutcliffe stirs mixed emotions among the public, the emphasis on his victims and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic remain significant takeaways from these events.
