POLICE anxious to catch people who snub magistrates and go on the run have turned to the Examiner in a pioneering move.
Officers say trying to track down the bail bandits ties up valuable police time which they would rather spend out on patrol.
And there is always the risk the bail-jumpers will be out and about committing more crimes.
Police chiefs say law-abiding people should turn the wrongdoers in for the good of the whole community.
They will now regularly release details to the Examiner of who is wanted and why.
People wanted on warrant have been warned that this is their last chance to turn themselves in – or face being named in the paper.
At the moment police have 170 people wanted on warrant – but some of these stretch back years and the fugitives may have even fled abroad.
Even so, the warrant remains live until the person is caught and brought back to court. In high profile cases an international arrest warrant can be issued.
This happened after the murder of Bradford policewoman Sharon Beshenivsky in November 2005.
Mustaf Jama, 27, was arrested in Somalia and flown back to the UK last November. He has been charged with murdering the 38-year-old officer in Bradford city centre and is in custody awaiting trial.
Now anyone wanted on warrant is arrested and taken to the police cells to appear before the next session of Huddersfield Magistrates Court.
If they are arrested on a Saturday they will be kept in police custody until they face magistrates on a Monday.
Around half-a-dozen people fail to turn up in court each week, but many are caught within days or turn themselves in.
Others wanted on warrant have failed to turn up for community service work.
Det Sgt Jim Carter from Kirklees CID intelligence unit said: “'The failure of a small but significant number of people to turn up when bailed by the police or the court causes distress to victims and witnesses.
“It also leads to delays in justice as well as wasting court time. When that happens the courts issue warrants for their arrest and while the police will obviously prioritise anyone who is violent or in any way a risk, this leads to extra police time and effort in re-arresting them when they could be patrolling your area or dealing with your problem.
“In the meantime, others are at liberty to commit crime, steal your car, continue to drive unlawfully or deal drugs. This is unacceptable.’’
He added: “From now on the police – in conjunction with the Huddersfield Daily Examiner – will be naming people who fail to attend court on a regular basis.
“If you are someone who should have attended court – but failed to do so – do the right thing and hand yourself in before someone else does.
“If you know someone who should have attended court, but didn't, then please contact us.’’
Stuart Graham Rawson, 40
Failed to appear at Huddersfield Magistrates’ Court on September 11 last year in connection with a burglary. He is 40 years old and was last known to be living in Lindley.
Philip Joseph Heathcote, 25.
Failed to appear at Huddersfield Magistrates’ Court on October 19 last year, charged in connection with an assault. He was last known to be living in the Bradley area.
Brian Davies, 46,
Failed to appear at Calderdale Magistrates’ Court in Halifax on October 19 last year, charged in connection with a vehicle offence. Used to live in Almondbury
If you know where any of these three men are please phone Det Sgt Jim Carter on 01484 436675, the police switchboard on 0845 6060606 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 for a possible cash reward. Calls will be treated in strict confidence.
