PSNI To 'Name And Shame' Those Who Fail To Attend Court

The PSNI have announced a "name and shame" operation for people who fail to attend court.

Police have said that people with outstanding bench warrants, which are issued when a person fails to attend court, will be considered "fair game" for having their face and details shared online.

It is understood that under Operation Relentless, police will begin sharing people details on Facebook from Monday, 20 February.

A PSNI statement said: "We will be knocking doors, phoning suspects, speaking to solicitors and following any other leads we have. In short, unless you're now living abroad, in one weeks time there will be very little excuse for still having a bench warrant."

Posted to the PSNI Craigavon Facebook page, alongside a mocked-up "wanted" poster, the statement continues: "As of next Monday, wanted posters such as this will be going out, and we'll be inviting our lovely followers to join in the hunt too. If you aren't familiar with how effective the ABC public are, here's a fun fact: During the first month of Op Exposure, over 85% of all released pictures were identified and dealt with. They were the unknown people with just CCTV footage. These will be known people with a custody mug shot!"

It goes on to warn those with outstanding warrants: "Sure you could run, but life wouldn't be fun. Everyone will be looking for you. You won't stand a chance. There won't be negotiations once we find you after that point. It won't be a "talk to your solicitor then give us a ring" scenario. It will be immediate arrest.

"The clue is in the name. We will be Relentless. Give it up."

(MH/LM)