Paper Says `Ripper` May Leave Broadmoor

"Yorkshire Ripper" Peter Sutcliffe could be transferred from Broadmoor high security mental hospital because doctors say he is no longer dangerous, the Sun newspaper said on Wednesday, citing an unnamed source.

Sutcliffe, 62, was jailed for life in 1981 for the murder of 13 women and attempted murder of seven others during a five-year killing spree in the 1970s and 1980s.

According to the paper's source, described as close to Sutcliffe, doctors will support his bid to be transferred to a less secure unit in preparation for possible release.

"If (Justice Minister) Jack Straw rubber-stamps it, Peter will be packing his bags," said the source.

"Peter was told last month by his lawyers that after detailed discussions with the Broadmoor team he'd been classified low risk," the source added.

Speaking on behalf of Broadmoor, West London Mental Health Trust said it could not comment on the care or treatment of individual patients.

"In general terms, the trust has an obligation to continually review a patient's treatment and associated risk," it said in a statement.

"Patients may be moved to a different level of secure care depending on how they are responding to treatment.

"This would depend on the guidance of their clinical team and would also require the consent of the Ministry of Justice."

There was no immediate comment from the ministry.

The Bradford lorry driver mainly targeted prostitutes during his five-year reign of terror.

He was dubbed the Yorkshire Ripper after London's infamous "Jack the Ripper" of the late 19th Century because he mutilated and dismembered his victims' bodies.

Sutcliffe is represented by human rights lawyer Saimo Chahal. Media reports say his legal team has been fighting recently to have him declared sane and be given a release date.