JOHN CANNAN BRISTOL MURDERER AND SEX OFFENDER DIES IN PRISON

Earlier this week, the news broke that John Cannan, a notorious convicted murderer and rapist, had passed away while serving his sentence in prison. At the age of 70, Cannan had been incarcerated since his sentencing in 1989, and just last year, authorities deemed him too dangerous to be considered for parole or release. Although originally from Birmingham, Cannan spent a significant part of his life in Bristol, where he became known for his manipulative and violent behavior.

He often posed as a 'West Country businessman,' a guise he used to gain the trust of women. His modus operandi involved presenting women with flowers and champagne, only to attack them if they rejected his advances. Cannan's criminal history is extensive, marked by a series of violent and sexually motivated offenses. Over the years, he has been linked to numerous unresolved cases, making him one of the most feared offenders of his time.

Among his most infamous crimes is the murder of Shirley Banks, a 29-year-old woman from Bristol. Cannan drove her to a remote wooded area known as Dead Woman's Ditch in Somerset, where he carried out the killing. Her body was discovered months later in a shallow stream, after Cannan's arrest. Evidence tying him to her murder included a tax disc found in his vehicle and her fingerprint, which was recovered from his flat. These pieces of evidence led to his charge for her murder in 1989, resulting in a life sentence. Despite his incarceration, Cannan's dangerousness was reaffirmed in October 2023 when a parole board decided he was too risky to be released. The decision was based on his continued denial of guilt and his refusal to participate in programs aimed at reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

In addition to Shirley Banks, Cannan was also linked to the mysterious disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh, a 25-year-old estate agent from London. Lamplugh vanished in 1985 after leaving her office to meet an unidentified client known as 'Mr Kipper.' Witnesses reported seeing her leave with a man, and there were suggestions that she might have been involved in an argument with him. Despite extensive investigations spanning decades, her body has never been recovered. Cannan was named as the primary suspect in her case in 2002, although he consistently denied any involvement. The case remains one of the most high-profile missing persons cases in the UK.

Suzy Lamplugh’s parents established the Suzy Lamplugh Trust to promote personal safety and prevent similar tragedies. Following Cannan’s death, the trust acknowledged the profound impact on her family, praising their resilience and ongoing efforts to raise awareness about personal security. The legacy of these tragic cases continues to influence safety initiatives and criminal justice policies in the UK.