Man cleared of stabbing to death escort agency woman

(First Edition)

A 36-YEAR-OLD lorry driver was yesterday cleared of the murder of secretary Sarah Crump who led a secret double life working for an escort agency. An Old Bailey jury took nearly four hours to find David Smith, who lives with his parents in Hampton, west London, not guilty.

John Bevan, for the prosecution, had alleged Mr Smith stabbed Miss Crump, 33, severing her neck muscles and cutting off her breasts. As she lay dead or dying the murderer 'chose to operate on her body'.

Mr Smith had earlier been rejected by a woman he met at a nudist disco. He had seen operation scars on her body which Mr Bevan claimed were similar to the wounds inflicted on Miss Crump. The court was told Mr Smith had suffered several rejections from women because of his size.

For this reason Mr Smith used escort agencies. This was how he met Miss Crump, who was murdered at her home in Southall, west London, in August 1991.

Mr Smith admitted going to her home but said he left her alive and well. He did not give evidence.

The police said afterwards that the inquiry was closed.