Was Fred Craven a Yorkshire Ripper Victim?

Fred Craven had a congenital spinal disability – leaving him standing at around four feet seven tall. Doctors had assumed that Fred wouldn't live past the age of 21.

Fred Craven was married with four children. Unfortunately his wife left him when their eldest child was just fourteen. He continued to raise them on his own.

Fred Craven was a ‘commission agent’ – a bookie who provided a personalised service for punters. He had a small office on Wellington Road above an antiques shop.

On 22nd April, 1966, Fred Craven visited his office to pick up some paperwork. The time was shortly before 11am. Fred was followed into his office by tow unknown attackers. He suffered head wounds from a blunt instrument and rib injuries from bring kicked. His wallet was stolen which contained around £200.

The detectives assigned to the case would soon become household names during the Yorkshire Ripper Inquiry.

The police investigation was led by Detective Superintendent George Oldfield and Detective Sergeant Dick Holland

It wasn't long cefore the police turned up at the Sutcliffe residence at 57 Cornwall Road. They arrested Michael Sutcliffe, Peter’s sixteen-year-old brother, as he fitted the description of one of Craven's attackers. Michael Sutcliffe was released after two day's questioning as he had a strong alibi.

Afetr the trail went cold the case was categorised as an unsolved crime in the West Riding Constabulary files. Nobody could have guessed that Fifteen years later the Fred Craven murder would be associated with the Yorkshire Ripper.