CCTV suicide man wins claim

The suicide attempt was captured on CCTV

A man from Essex whose picture was captured on CCTV just after he tried to kill himself and broadcast on television, has won his legal battle for compensation.

The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Geoff Peck's right to privacy had been breached, and awarded him £20,000.

A CCTV camera, installed by Brentwood Borough Council, filmed Mr Peck with a knife in his hand.

The images of the incident in 1995 appeared in the newspapers and on television to illustrate the benefits of security cameras in tackling crime.

As a result, Mr Peck said he was taunted and abused by people who had recognised him.

The court ruled that disclosing the images represented a "serious interference" with Mr Peck's right to respect for his private life.

It awarded him about £20,000 in damages, costs and expenses.