The launch of Brentwood Police's controversial name and shame campaign has been stopped in its tracks, less than 72 hours before the first poster was to be put up.

Essex Police confirmed the scheme was due to go ahead after no appeal action was brought forward by Gary Ellis, the man to be named and pictured on the poster.

When the appeal deadline on Monday, January 27 passed the wheels for the launch event were put in motion with a press conference set for Monday at Brentwood Station where the first poster would be put on show.

But these plans were scuppered on Friday January 31 when Ellis' solicitors successfully obtained an interim injunction forcing police to abandon the launch.

Essex Police were this week looking into the situation before coming to a decision on whether to contest the merit of the temporary order or not.

Essex Police solicitor, Alan Hunt said: "It is disappointing that we cannot proceed as planned but we must abide by the interim court order."

The poster was to bear the face, name and charges of 27-year-old Ingatestone man Ellis who was convicted of vehicle crime and burglary. His three year sentence was extended by six months on December 9 for further charges.

The project has attracted national and international media coverage and 12 forces across the country including West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Bedfordshire and London had expressed an interest in also running it.

Sgt Piers Quinnell, of Brentwood Police, who spearheaded the idea, had said the aim of the posters was not to humiliate but was a preventive measure.

Published Friday, February 7, 2003

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