A MAN accused of sending hoax letters and a tape to the Yorkshire Ripper murder team has appeared in court.

John Humble, 59, from Sunderland, made a brief appearance at Leeds Magistrates' Court yesterday, after being charged with perverting the course of justice.

Mr Humble spoke only to give his name, date of birth and address during the five-minute hearing.

He was charged yesterday morning by West Yorkshire Police, who have been hunting for 27 years for a hoaxer known as Wearside Jack.

Police in the neighbouring Lancashire force revealed last night that Mr Humble might also be questioned in connection with the murder of prostitute Joan Harrison, 26, in Preston, in November 1975.

Former labourer Mr Humble was accused of writing three letters and recording an audio tape sent to detectives hunting the Yorkshire Ripper in the late 1970s.

The letters taunted police for their lack of progress in catching the serial killer and made detectives shift the focus of their inquiry to the Castletown area of Sunderland.

The clerk at yesterday's hearing read the charge to Mr Humble, which accused him of sending the letters and audio tape between March 1, 1978, and June 30, 1979.

He did not enter a plea and he was remanded in custody by District Judge Christopher Darnton, after no application for bail was made. He will appear at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday.

The true Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe, from Bradford, is held in Broadmoor Special Hospital after being jailed for life in 1981 for the murders of 13 women.