Shock guilty plea is welcomed
Following Wednesday's shock guilty plea by the 22-year-old murderer, the detective leading the investigation into the brutal killings said he had finally done the right thing.
Detective Chief Inspector Sheila Thornes said the families of Annie Eels and Samantha Tapper had been spared the "anguish" of a lengthy trial.
After the court hearing yesterday Mrs Thornes said the police probe into the double killing had been a massive undertaking for all officers involved.
"I welcome the guilty pleas. This means that the families of Annie Eels and Samantha Tapper have been spared the ordeal and anguish of sitting through a lengthy trial," she said.
"It's been a long and complex investigation."
The police investigation revealed a dark insight into the seedy world of Shrewsbury's hidden sex industry.
Rachael's Health Studio, where the gruesome murders took place, was a well known establishment throughout Shrewsbury.
At the trial of the 22-year-old killer yesterday it emerged that men visiting the brothel would pay £40 for sex on top of a £10 entry fee.
On top of this clients could also pay additional charges for other sex acts.
Prosecutor Stephen Linehan QC told the court yesterday that men would phone the massage parlour before attending to check the venue was open for business, rather than making appointments.
Grandmother Annie Eels, 55, was the receptionist at the Frankwell brothel while 23-year-old Samantha Tapper worked as a prostitute.
Mr Linehan said the women could not have known Harding was not looking for sex.
