Man admits responsibility for deaths of two women in 1987

Caroline Pierce, 20, was one of two women killed in Tunrbridge Wells in 1987 (Kent Police/PA) (PA Media)
Caroline Pierce, 20, was one of two women killed in Tunrbridge Wells in 1987 (Kent Police/PA) (PA Media)

A 67-year-old man has admitted responsibility for the killings of two women more than three decades ago.

In a major development in one of the UK’s longest unsolved homicide cases, David Fuller has admitted responsibility for the killings of Wendy Knell, 25, Caroline Pierce, 20, Maidstone Crown Court heard on Friday.

The women were attacked in Tunbridge Wells Kent in 1987.

As Fuller sat in the dock, prosecutor Duncan Atkinson QC said: “It is right to note that in a further defence statement of August 19, the defendant admitted responsibility for both killings subject to the potential issue of diminished responsibility.”

Wendy Knell was found dead in her bedsit in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, in 1987 (Kent Police/PA) (PA Media)
Wendy Knell was found dead in her bedsit in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, in 1987 (Kent Police/PA) (PA Media)

Fuller has denied murder and his trial is expected to begin next month, the court heard.

Shop manager Ms Knell, 25, was found dead in her ground-floor bedsit in Guildford Road on June 23 1987 after failing to turn up for work.

Ms Pierce, 20, also from Tunbridge Wells, was attacked five months later outside her home in Grosvenor Park.

She had last been seen at about midnight on November 24 when she was dropped off by a taxi.

Fuller was remanded in custody ahead of his trial.

Read More

E.coli contamination alert over tap water in thousands of homes

Baroness Casey to lead review into culture and standards at the Met

E. coli in water warning as 400 postcodes may be contaminated