32 years on, girls’ murder suspect in dock again
who knew the girls, joined the search for them in a “cynical and a deliberate attempt to divert attention away from himself,” the Old Bailey was told.
In 1990, Bishop was found guilty of the attempted murder, kidnapping and indecent assault of a girl, aged seven, in Brighton earlier that year.
Prosecutor Brian Altman, QC, said the “similarities” between the cases, along with all the other evidence, “lead you to the conclusion that this defendant was responsible also for the murders of Nicola and Karen”. He added: “The kill- ings were intentional and carried out by a man who sexually assaulted them for his own gratification.”
The new DNA evidence comes from a blue sweatshirt, allegedly belonging to Bishop, which was found between the murder scene and his home. Mr Altman said the item “provides several scientific links to the girls.”
Nicola and Karen’s bodies were found a day after they went missing, in woodBishop, ACCUSED Russell Bishop land half a mile from their homes. A witness said Bishop helped in the hunt for the girls, telling Karen’s mum, Michelle: “I saw them last night.”
The girls’ families were in court as Bishop stared ahead on the first day of the trial. Bishop, 20 at the time, denies two charges of murder. The trial continues. The jury is due to visit the murder scene tomorrow.