MURDER accused Steve Wright has dumped his original legal team and appointed a new one.

MURDER accused Steve Wright has dumped his original legal team and appointed a new one.

Among those who will no longer represent Wright is barrister who helped successfully prosecute Soham child-killer Ian Huntley.

Wright, of London Road, Ipswich, was to be represented by top barrister Karim Khalil QC after his Newmarket-based solicitor, Paul Osler, made a successful approach for his services.

However, crown court records show Wright, 48, dropped Mr Osler as his solicitor and switched to city firm Burton Copeland London.

Around a week ago, Mr Khalil was formerly relieved of the case.

Today, Mr Osler refused to be drawn on why neither he nor Mr Khalil were any longer involved in the case.

He added: “I would have to leave that with his new solicitor to explain.”

Wright stands accused of killing Gemma Adams, 25, Tania Nicol, 19, Anneli Alderton, 24, Paula Clennell, 24, and Annette Nicholls, 29.

The naked discarded bodies of the women, who all worked as prostitutes, were found between December 2 and December 12.

Wright will be prosecuted by Peter Wright QC, the barrister who helped secure Harold Shipman's conviction for multiple murder following a trial in late 1999 and early 2000.

Wright will appear before Ipswich Crown Court on May 1 when he is expected to enter pleas to the charges.