Brooching subject of Ripper 'justice'

IT IS just a simple Victorian wishbone brooch, but for Sharon Dutton it is a link across the generations to her ancestor - and one of the most infamous series of murders in history.

- BY SUE LEE

The piece of jewellery first belonged to Catherine Eddowes, a victim of Jack the Ripper and Sharon's great-great-great aunt.

It is also a constant reminder for Sharon of the fight for justice for Catherine, more than 130 years on.

"There needs to be closure on this case. For Catherine and for the other victims," says Sharon, who is appealing to UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper for help.

A recent legal application to the Attorney General to grant permission for a High Court bid for a further inquest has been refused due to the length of time and the fact no one could be prosecuted.

Sharon and author and Ripper researcher Russell Edwards had hoped for a new inquiry to shed light on the unsolved crimes.

Now, though, they are urging for government intervention in a bid to gain formal recognition of the man they believe to be Jack the Ripper and finally see justice done.

SCARS