Murder suspect Steven Wright's solicitor said his client was "bearing up well" despite the stress of recent events.Speaking after representing his client in a brief hearing at Ipswich magistrates court, Paul Osler said: "Anybody accused of these offences is likely to be distressed by the mere fact of the accusations.

Murder suspect Steven Wright's solicitor said his client was "bearing up well" despite the stress of recent events.

Speaking after representing his client in a brief hearing at Ipswich magistrates court, Paul Osler said: "Anybody accused of these offences is likely to be distressed by the mere fact of the accusations. Given these circumstances, he's bearing up well."

Mr Osler said police had provided Wright with a black suit for his court appearance today and had treated him well while in custody.

"They treated him in a very civilised fashion," he said.

"He was given proper clothing and washing facilities and provided with cigarettes. He has no complaints about the way he was treated."

Mr Osler said he had been representing his client since Tuesday, and that Wright was formally charged with the murders of Annette Nicholls, Tania Nicol, Gemma Adams, Paula Clennell and Anneli Alderton at around 10pm last night.

He said he was assembling a legal team that would be likely to include two barristers, at least one of which would be a Queen's Counsel.

Mr Osler said the defence team would be carefully assessing media coverage to ensure it did not prejudice any future proceedings and stressed that his client was “presumed innocent” unless a court decided otherwise.