But the inquiry was thrown off course after the three letters and a tape were sent to the investigation team by a man who was to be nicknamed Wearside Jack due to his strong Sunderland accent.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | West Yorkshire | Man still held over Ripper hoax

In responding to the complaints that were filed in this case concerning the Renewing American Civilization aspect of it, before it came to the subcommittee, before preliminary inquiry had been instituted, Mr. Gingrich submitted several letters to the committee on the subject.

CNN: AllPolitics - Ethics Transcript

The hoaxer, who had an accent said to be from the Castletown area of Sunderland, sent police three letters and an audio tape at the height of the Yorkshire Ripper inquiry in 1978 and 1979.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | Hunt ended for 'Ripper' hoaxer

Mr Tyrie, the MP for Chichester, claimed the letters were not released to Sir Anthony Hammond QC, who conducted the passport inquiry that cleared ministers of wrongdoing.

BBC: Hinduja 'cover up' claimed

Both letters were efforts by Mr. Gingrich to have the committee dismiss the complaints without further inquiry.

CNN: AllPolitics - Ethics Transcript