An original black-and-white wirephoto showing Peter Sutcliffe being escorted from Dewsbury Magistrates’ Court beneath a blanket on 20 February 1981, during the criminal proceedings arising from the Yorkshire Ripper investigation.
Sutcliffe is almost entirely concealed beneath a light-coloured covering as uniformed police officers guide him through the crowded courthouse entrance. Numerous officers surround the covered figure, reflecting the exceptional security, public attention and press interest generated by the case. The closely framed composition captures the confusion and urgency of the court departure while also illustrating the measures taken to prevent a clear view of the accused.
The identification, location and date are confirmed by the original typed wire-service transmission note attached to the reverse. It states substantially:
“Pic Note 10. About to run is fourth Dewsbury pic, subject: Sutcliffe leaving court. There will be two others to follow this. Three pics in all.”
The transmission note is timed 10.43 a.m. on 20 February, while a separate date stamp and the Shields Gazette Library archive stamp record 20 February 1981.
Sutcliffe had been arrested in Sheffield in January 1981 following one of the largest murder investigations undertaken by British police. He subsequently appeared at Dewsbury Magistrates’ Court during the preliminary legal proceedings before his trial later that year. His court appearances attracted intense press attention, and contemporary photographs frequently show him being moved under heavy police escort with his head and face concealed.
The wirephoto format is an important part of the item’s history. The image was electronically transmitted for rapid reproduction by subscribing newspapers rather than produced as a conventional photographic print directly from the original camera negative. Its slightly softened tonal quality, surviving transmission note and newsroom markings are characteristic of a working wire-service photograph.
The right-hand margin bears contemporary manuscript publication instructions, including a reference to “Dewsbury”. The reverse retains the original typed picture note, newspaper-library stamp and dated processing marks, providing strong evidence of its use within a contemporary British newspaper photographic archive.
This is a genuine period wirephoto issued during the active criminal proceedings. It is not a modern reproduction.
Good condition for an original working wirephoto. There is light age-related toning, minor surface marking and general newsroom handling wear. Slight curvature, small pressure marks and modest edge and corner wear are present. Contemporary manuscript editorial instructions appear in the right-hand margin.
The reverse retains the original typed transmission note, which displays age toning, minor creasing, adhesive marking and a small area of staining. The Shields Gazette Library stamp and date of 20 February 1981 remain visible.
The wire-transmitted image has the slightly softened definition and tonal characteristics expected of the process, but the covered figure, police escort and courthouse setting remain clear and visually effective.
Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
Subject: Peter Sutcliffe leaving court under police escort
Date: 20 February 1981
Location: Dewsbury Magistrates’ Court, West Yorkshire
Agency/source: Contemporary press wire service
Photographer: Uncredited
Provenance: Photographic archive of the Shields Gazette
Size: 21.1 × 28.2 cm
Format: Original black-and-white wirephoto
Process: Electronically transmitted newspaper photograph
Documentation: Original typed transmission note attached verso
MAP DRAWER C YR FOLDER
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