YORKSHIRE RIPPER PETER Sutcliffe’s mental health has improved to the degree that he can return to prison.

Sutcliffe was convicted of murdering 13 women and has been in Broadmoor hospital since 1984.

Multiple reports in the British media today say that doctors have recommended that he be moved to a specialist prison.

The Guardian quotes a UK Ministry of Justice spokesperson as saying a decision will be made by justice secretary Michael Gove.

Decisions over whether prisoners are to be sent back to prison from secure hospitals are based on clinical assessments made by independent medical staff.

“The high court ordered in 2009 that Sutcliffe should never be released. This was then upheld by the court of appeal. Our thoughts are with Sutcliffe’s victims and their families.”

The front page of the London Times , Tuesday, 6 January 1981 reports the arrest and charges brought against Peter William Sutcliffe for the murder of Jacqueline Hill; a 20 year old student who police said was a victim of the Yorkshire Ripper. AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Sutcliffe was given 20 life sentences in prison for the murder of the women but was moved to Broadmoor from Parkhurst jail after being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

The UK High Court ruled in 2010 that Sutcliffe should never be released.

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