Essex Police were today challenging a High Court injunction preventing publication of a poster carrying the picture and name of a convicted burglar.

Officers want to use the poster as part of a new anti-crime campaign. The force planned to feature convicted burglar Gary Ellis, 27, of Brentwood, on posters in the area.

Lawyers for Ellis, who is serving a prison sentence for theft, obtained an injunction temporarily preventing police from going ahead with the scheme.

Police believe the posters would help deter youngsters from getting involved in crime, and demonstrate to victims that the criminal justice system is dealing with offenders. Other forces are watching the scheme with a view to extending it.

Ellis claims the initiative would breach his human rights.

Today's challenge was being heard by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Woolf, and Mr Justice Goldring.

Published Tuesday, June 3, 2003

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