A criminal who objects to his mug-shot being used in a unique "name-and-shame" poster campaign will have to wait and see whether the scheme breaches his human rights.
England and Wales' top judge, The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Woolf, and Mr Justice Goldring, reserved judgement at London's High Court on Tuesday in the case of Brentwood burglar Gary Ellis.
Their final decision could give the green light for similar schemes to be implemented across England and Wales.
Anne Studd for Essex Police told the judges there was nothing wrong with featuring father-of-one Ellis in particular or the poster campaign in general.
Ms Studd said it was the firm belief of Sergeant Piers Quinnell - the officer who thought up the campaign - that the poster scheme was an effective deterrent and reassured the public.
Defending the principle behind the policy, Ms Studd said it would only apply to those convicted of "core" crimes - drug dealing, burglary and stealing cars - and argued those pictured would be serving at least 12 months in prison and be repeat offenders.
Earlier Mr Tim Owen QC, for Ellis, complained of the dangers of vigilante attacks, but Ms Studd said there were a number of "checks and balances" in place to prevent criminals being exposed to such action.
Dismissing claims that Ellis' human rights were being breached, Ms Studd said the public had a "human right" not to be bothered by habitual criminals.
Lord Woolf did not indicate when the court would give judgement in the case.
Published Wednesday, June 4, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article