Latest news with #Humble
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Yorkshire Ripper hoaxer 'Wearside Jack' tried to hide voice when finally caught
Top cop Chris Gregg reveals how police tracked down John Humble, 20 years after he faced justice for the most infamous hoax in British criminal history The alcoholic loner behind the infamous taped message which derailed the Yorkshire Ripper inquiry tried to hide his voice when he was arrested. The former detective who brought 'Wearside Jack' to justice told how John Humble 'kept nodding' in his first interview with police, knowing that the mere sound of his voice would give him away. It was only when he was told that a 'one in a billion match' had been made to his DNA from a tiny sample of saliva taken from one of his hoax letters to cops that he finally confessed. The Mirror interviewed retired police chief Chris Gregg to mark the 20th anniversary of the investigation into the most infamous hoax in British criminal history. Humble, then aged 50, agreed to read out a transcript of the original tape sent to police; it was 'chilling' for Chris, who heard it again for the first time in a quarter of a century. The hoax by Humble, who died in 2019 aged 63, cost the lives of three women after his 'I'm Jack' tape and three separate letters - one to the Daily Mirror - diverted the Yorkshire Ripper inquiry away from the real killer. With the nation horror-struck as the Ripper's murder spree went on, Humble sent detectives a two-minute recorded message and letters that hobbled the police inquiry in 1978 and 1979. Peter Sutcliffe was jailed for life in 1981, but the identity of the hoaxer remained a mystery for another 24 years. A cold case review conducted by West Yorkshire Police in 2005 finally brought a breakthrough thanks to advances in forensic science and the tiny sample from one of the hoax envelopes. It was matched with the police record of the DNA of Humble, who had been arrested for being drunk and disorderly in 2001. It led cops straight to the door of the former security guard who lived with his brother in the Ford area of Sunderland, just a couple of miles from where voice experts said the hoaxer was from. He was arrested and brought to Yorkshire to be interviewed by a team led by Chris, the new head of West Yorkshire Police CID. As Humble read the transcript of the 1979 recording which he had sent to derail the entire Yorkshire Ripper inquiry, Chris knew he had 'got his man'. The former Det Chief Supt told the Mirror: "Humble had quite a remarkable memory; he took himself back to when he made it, it was an incredible moment to hear him read it out. "He had made it 1979 and yet to listen to it again all those years later was just extraordinary because it was exactly the same. He took himself back in time to when he did it and it was quite remarkable to hear it again." The 'voice of the Ripper' tape left its mark on the families of the victims of the real killer Peter Sutcliffe. Chris recalled: "I remember being outside court after Humble had been jailed with Richard McCann, the son of Yorkshire Ripper victim Wilma McCann. He told me: 'The voice of the killer was always the voice on that tape, because I was a child, that was how I felt about it'. "Those last three Ripper victims may not have died had it not been for Humble, it proved to be tragic, he did something that he never needed to do. We had a stroke of luck with that piece of the old envelope being found, but you make your own luck." Humble, who died in 2019, had initially refused to let detectives hear his voice in interview, nodding his head to answer questions, knowing his first spoken words were likely to confirm his identity. But he was then told about the DNA match to the envelope which he had sealed more than 25 years earlier. The discovery of the envelope was down to the sheer determination of Chris Gregg. He had been part of the hunt for the Wearside Jack which had cost £6m and the lives of Barbara Leach: 20, from Bradford, who was killed in September 1979; Marguerite Walls: 47, from Leeds, murdered in August 1980, and Jacqueline Hill: 20, from Leeds, the Ripper's last victim in November 1980. Sutcliffe was finally arrested eight weeks later. The cold case review was begun by Chris after he was appointed head of CID in 2004. He brought a breakthrough thanks to advances in DNA technology and a sample of saliva from the third hoax letter seal, which was sent to the police. The second one, post marked Sunderland, 10am, 13 March 1978, was sent to the 'Chief Editor, Daily Mirror Publishing Office, Manchester (0161 STD Code) Lancs.' Chris, 68 now and retired from the force, was determined to solve the case after working on the original Yorkshire Ripper investigation. He recalled: "I told the two detectives to accumulate all the Sutcliffe material to bring into a major crime store and establish what happened to letters and tapes. First port of call - do you have letters and tape? "There was a drawer at the old police forensic labs in Wetherby which was still marked Ripper letters. But it was empty. The letters were tracked, the three of them all went to the London forensic lab and they had used a chemical which had a destructive quality. "The papers did not just turn purple, but black, they had to fumigate the lab afterwards, but it proved that those letters were destroyed in the fingerprint process." He went on: "Not to be deterred, I knew from my experience, in high profile unsolved cases, scientists would keep snippets of exhibits, cut out garments in a murder for example, and save them for advances in science. "So it was not a far fetched idea to think it may have happened with Wearside Jack." He wrote to the Head of Lab in Wetherby and asked 'can you categorically say there is nothing left from the Yorkshire Ripper inquiry?' Months later, he received a call 'out of the blue' to say they had found a 3cm seal from letter No 3, to the police, the last one to the force. It was perfectly preserved between two glass slides; they were covered in dust. But the seal inside quickly gave the 'one in a billion match' to Humble. It solved a crime which made headlines around the world. Chris said: "It was one of the most defining moments of my career. If we had not found him, I am convinced that he would have taken that secret to the grave. He had not told a living soul what he had done."
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Yahoo
Female's body struck multiple times on Eastex Freeway, Humble police say
The Brief Police were called about a body found at about 11 p.m. on Saturday. Officials believe the victim's body was struck multiple times. Details on this case are limited. HUMBLE, Texas - Humble police are working to identify a female whose body was found lying on the Eastex Freeway on Saturday night. What we know The body was reported by a caller at about 11 p.m. on Saturday. Officers were dispatched to the southbound lanes of the Eastex Freeway near the Will Clayton exit. When officials arrived, they say they found a female's body in the roadway. Evidence suggests that the victim was run over multiple times before police were called. What we don't know The victim has not been identified at this time. There is no description of any suspect vehicles. The Source OnScene and Humble Police Sergeant Jack Burt
Associated Press
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
ECD Unleashes Its Most Powerful Defender Yet
KISSIMMEE, Fla., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ECD Auto Design (NASDAQ: ECDA), the global leader in custom Land Rover Defenders, has added its most powerful drivetrain to date: a 700+ horsepower BLUEPRINT V8, now available as an upgrade option across the Defender lineup—and for the first time, also as a performance option for Range Rover Classic builds. This engine isn't a gimmick. It's a direct result of client demand—bringing together decades of LS-based experience, clever integration, and the visceral performance that discerning buyers crave. With the first client Defender build already in production, the 700HP option sets a new benchmark for what's possible in a luxury SUV rooted in heritage but built for today. 'We've worked with LS-based platforms for years, so this evolution felt natural,' said Elliot Humble, Co-Founder and Head of Engineering at ECD. 'The real work was in smart packaging—integrating the supercharger, updating the front-end assembly, adding cooling, and upgrading the drivetrain to handle the torque. The fun part is, it looks like a classic Defender—but it drives like nothing else.' A Power-First, Client-Driven Evolution Rather than reinventing the wheel, ECD built on a trusted foundation—leveraging their extensive experience with LS-based drivetrains to offer an even more thrilling option for clients who want the feel of a classic with the power of a modern supercar. Key upgrades for the 700+ HP configuration include: Every ECD build is handcrafted, and now clients who want a Defender—or a Range Rover Classic—with untamed acceleration and unmistakable sound have a new option that fits seamlessly into the company's bespoke process. Designed for Drivers Who Want More This offering is tailor-made for the client who wants to turn up the volume on an already bold design. Whether it's cruising coastal highways or stealing the spotlight at a private collection, the 700HP Defender or Range Rover Classic adds American muscle to British heritage in a way that feels both timeless and thrillingly modern. 'It's not about chasing numbers,' added Humble. 'It's about giving clients the freedom to dream—and then making those dreams driveable. This engine is just another example of how we listen, evolve, and deliver.' Now Available for New Builds The 700HP BLUEPRINT engine is now available for Defender 90, 110, and 130 commissions—as well as Range Rover Classic builds. With the first vehicle already on the production line, this new option is expected to become a favorite among performance-focused collectors and luxury clients alike. View images of the Blueprint engine being installed About ECD Auto Design ECD, a public company trading under ECDA on the Nasdaq, is a creator of restored luxury vehicles that combines classic beauty with modern performance. Currently, ECD restores Land Rovers Series, Land Rover Series IIA, the Range Rover Classic, Jaguar E-Type, Ford Mustang, Toyota FJ, and highly specialized vehicles from its Boutique Studio. Each vehicle produced by ECD is fully bespoke, a one-off that is designed by the client through an immersive luxury design experience and hand-built from the ground up in 2,200 hours by master-certified Automotive Service Excellence ('ASE') craftsmen. The company was founded in 2013 by three British 'gear heads' whose passion for classic vehicles is the driving force behind exceptionally high standards for quality, custom luxury vehicles. ECD's global headquarters, is a 100,000-square-foot facility located in Kissimmee, Florida that is home to 105 talented and dedicated employees that hold combined 80 ASE and five master level certifications. ECD has an affiliated logistics center in the U.K. where its seven employees work to source and transport 25-year-old work vehicles back to the U.S. for restoration. For more information, visit Media Contact: Kevin Kastner Chief Revenue Officer [email protected] 407-738-1056 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
ECD Unleashes Its Most Powerful Defender Yet
700+ Horsepower. American Muscle. Built by Fla., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ECD Auto Design (NASDAQ: ECDA), the global leader in custom Land Rover Defenders, has added its most powerful drivetrain to date: a 700+ horsepower BLUEPRINT V8, now available as an upgrade option across the Defender lineup—and for the first time, also as a performance option for Range Rover Classic builds. This engine isn't a gimmick. It's a direct result of client demand—bringing together decades of LS-based experience, clever integration, and the visceral performance that discerning buyers crave. With the first client Defender build already in production, the 700HP option sets a new benchmark for what's possible in a luxury SUV rooted in heritage but built for today. 'We've worked with LS-based platforms for years, so this evolution felt natural,' said Elliot Humble, Co-Founder and Head of Engineering at ECD. 'The real work was in smart packaging—integrating the supercharger, updating the front-end assembly, adding cooling, and upgrading the drivetrain to handle the torque. The fun part is, it looks like a classic Defender—but it drives like nothing else.' A Power-First, Client-Driven Evolution Rather than reinventing the wheel, ECD built on a trusted foundation—leveraging their extensive experience with LS-based drivetrains to offer an even more thrilling option for clients who want the feel of a classic with the power of a modern supercar. Key upgrades for the 700+ HP configuration include: New front-end rotating assembly to house the integrated supercharger Enhanced cooling systems to manage added thermal load Upgraded transmission, transfer case, and differentials to handle the increased torque Refined ECU tuning and throttle mapping to maintain smooth drivability Every ECD build is handcrafted, and now clients who want a Defender—or a Range Rover Classic—with untamed acceleration and unmistakable sound have a new option that fits seamlessly into the company's bespoke process. Designed for Drivers Who Want More This offering is tailor-made for the client who wants to turn up the volume on an already bold design. Whether it's cruising coastal highways or stealing the spotlight at a private collection, the 700HP Defender or Range Rover Classic adds American muscle to British heritage in a way that feels both timeless and thrillingly modern. 'It's not about chasing numbers,' added Humble. 'It's about giving clients the freedom to dream—and then making those dreams driveable. This engine is just another example of how we listen, evolve, and deliver.' Now Available for New Builds The 700HP BLUEPRINT engine is now available for Defender 90, 110, and 130 commissions—as well as Range Rover Classic builds. With the first vehicle already on the production line, this new option is expected to become a favorite among performance-focused collectors and luxury clients alike. View images of the Blueprint engine being installed About ECD Auto DesignECD, a public company trading under ECDA on the Nasdaq, is a creator of restored luxury vehicles that combines classic beauty with modern performance. Currently, ECD restores Land Rovers Series, Land Rover Series IIA, the Range Rover Classic, Jaguar E-Type, Ford Mustang, Toyota FJ, and highly specialized vehicles from its Boutique Studio. Each vehicle produced by ECD is fully bespoke, a one-off that is designed by the client through an immersive luxury design experience and hand-built from the ground up in 2,200 hours by master-certified Automotive Service Excellence ('ASE') craftsmen. The company was founded in 2013 by three British 'gear heads' whose passion for classic vehicles is the driving force behind exceptionally high standards for quality, custom luxury vehicles. ECD's global headquarters, is a 100,000-square-foot facility located in Kissimmee, Florida that is home to 105 talented and dedicated employees that hold combined 80 ASE and five master level certifications. ECD has an affiliated logistics center in the U.K. where its seven employees work to source and transport 25-year-old work vehicles back to the U.S. for restoration. For more information, visit Media Contact: Kevin KastnerChief Revenue Officerkastnerk@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
The Hindu
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
What is humility?
The musician bows reverentially, as the audience breaks out in deafening applause. As they rise to give him a standing ovation, the maestro bows even lower, as if seeking their blessings. Can a music legend, with a huge fan following, truly be so humble? I was privileged to attend a concert of a Carnatic legend some years ago and was struck by his humility. When I went home and searched for more information, I learnt that he suffers from alcoholism and has a fraught marriage. Was his humility on stage merely performative? Though I don't profess to be an expert on humility, either in theory or practice, I've read a couple of books to understand the essence of this human virtue. In The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness, Timothy Keller writes that people in traditional cultures believe that those with swollen heads find it difficult to get along with others. This is possibly a reason why we, in India, shy away from praising children when they do well, fearing that they will think no end of themselves. In contrast, western cultures tend to hold the view that people who are troubled have low self-esteem and, hence, need to be bolstered. Which view is correct? Is it better to have high or low self-esteem? According to Keller, both thinking too highly or lowly of yourself are the same. Essentially, we are thinking about ourselves. The path towards humility involves 'thinking of myself less'. As the title of his book suggests, liberation comes from 'self-forgetfulness'. According to him, the human ego is 'empty, painful, busy and fragile'. Though our ego may be distended, at its core, it is only a void. He also observes that our attention is drawn to body parts that hurt. Nobody thinks much about their big toe unless it is wounded. Likewise, our attention shifts to our egos every time we get poked. Keller surmises that our ego gets pricked easily because there is 'something incredibly wrong with it'. As we also tend to think of ourselves repeatedly, our egos are always busy. Lastly, due to its other characteristics, the ego is also easily broken. Make an effort What can we do to cultivate more humility? In Humble, Daryl Van Tongeren admits that it's not easy. Though he has been researching the topic for decades, his wife rated him four out of 10 on humility. However, he provides some useful tips that we can incorporate into our lives. First, we need to solicit feedback from dependable people close to us on how we come across to the world, as we are often poor judges of ourselves. We need to be open to unflattering feedback without letting our defences blind us to our own flaws. Next, we need to adopt a growth mindset wherein we believe it is possible for us to change, be it honing a skill or refining a trait. Knowing that humans are fallible makes us less averse to admitting our mistakes and learning from them. We may also make a conscious effort to grow more empathetic. This involves trying to understand the world from the perspective of others while extending warmth and compassion, even to those who hurt us. Of course, this doesn't come naturally to us but, with practice, it becomes easier. Finally, humility involves acknowledging something larger and more significant than our individual selves. By injecting more awe experiences, be it a breathtaking sunset or a moving musical performance, we realise our smallness, yet feel connected to something larger and more wondrous. According to Keller, humble people are less likely to be stung by criticism. As we grow more 'self-forgetful,' notes Tongeren, we become less tethered to societal expectations of success and live more securely believing that 'we're already more than enough.' The writer is the author of Zero Limits: Things Every 20-Something Should Know and blogs at
