Rapist sues police from his cell

Richard Baker is serving four life sentences for rape

A rapist serving four life sentences is suing Essex Police because he claims they used photographs of him illegally.

Richard Baker, 40, from Cornwall, was jailed in May 1999 after being convicted of three rapes and a string of sex assaults.

The force allegedly breached copyright laws for handing photographs belonging to Baker to national newspapers.

They are defending the allegations but refused to comment while proceedings were ongoing.

'Prolific offender'

The police statement said: "We can confirm that proceedings have been issued in the High Court against Essex Police and another force in relation to certain photographs of Mr Baker which appeared in national newspapers.

"The proceedings are being vigorously defended by Essex Police.

"It would be inappropriate to make any comment while proceedings are ongoing."

Baker was given four life sentences and an additional 20 years in jail for his eight-month long campaign of sexual assaults across the South East. Three women in Essex were among his victims.

During the trial at the Old Bailey police described Baker - who lived a double life in Torremolinos, Spain, as a glamorous resort DJ - as "one of the most prolific sex offenders this century".