Suzy Lamplugh murder suspect writes from prison complaining of character 'assassination'

Convicted killer John Cannan complains of feeling 'powerless' in jail

The prime suspect in the disappearance of estate agent Suzy Lamplugh in 1986 has reportedly written from prison describing the “assassination” of his character.

Convicted murderer John Cannan is said to have sent a letter to a female pen pal as police continue to search the back garden of a house once owned by his mother.

The correspondence, dated 6 November, was seen by the Sunday Mirror and handed to the police.

Cannan, who is the only suspect in the case, said he felt “powerless” and wanted to throw himself from the top of his prison after learning about the police operation at the house in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands.

He denies any involvement in the 25-year-old's disappearance but is currently serving a life sentence for the murder of Shirley Banks, 29, in 1987.

"I was just about to throw myself off the building when your kind letter arrived. Many thanks. If I ever win the lottery, I'll buy you a villa," the tabloid reported. "Yes, this police and press assassination of me has upset me deeply. Worse, I am in no position to reply to it, so I feel powerless.”

"Strange really, the reality of my life is so much more interesting, yet it has been buried."

He also refers to a video made for a dating agency in 1987, in which he describes his ideal woman as “somebody natural, nice and pleasant, somebody with character... somebody who’s easy and relaxed to be with.”

He added that he did not like the “inflated egos” and “inner weakness” of some women. The video is thought to have been made just six weeks before he was arrested for murdering Banks in Bristol.

The murder of Lamplugh has been one of the country’s most well-known cold cases since she was declared dead, presumed murdered in 1994.

The estate agent went missing after leaving her office in west London to meet a client known as Mr Kipper – a nickname that was given to Cannan while he was serving an earlier sentence.

Cannan was released from jail days before Lamplugh’s disappearance after serving a six-year sentence for rape.

He was initially connected to the case due to his strong resemblance to an e-fit of Lamplugh’s abductor but has always denied any involvement with her murder.

London's Metropolitan Police are currently working on a theory that her body was buried in a garage inspection pit and then covered in concrete at a house that had belonged to Cannan's mother. Officers have been digging around the property, hunting for remains.