PERVERT Stephen John Burnell's sex crimes against a nine-year-old girl were so sickening they earned him a six-year jail sentence.

They included attempted rape, making pornographic images, and eight sex attacks.

The 53-year-old had already gone on the run by the time of his trial. He was sentenced in his absence.

That was back at the beginning of March.

Now, eight weeks later, he is still on the loose, still a potential danger to children.

The Press has repeatedly asked police for a photograph of Burnell that we can publish, both to alert parents to be on the lookout for this monster, and to help in his capture.

The police have repeatedly refused, arguing publication of Burnell's photo is not advisable following a risk assessment.

Now they have refused again.

We have no wish to put innocent people in harm's way. But when the photograph of a ten-year-old boy who has been served with an Asbo can be splashed across the pages of national newspapers, it is outrageous that police will not allow us to publish the photograph of a dangerous paedophile who committed many of his crimes here in York.

This is a man whose warped predilections make him adept at insinuating himself into the confidences of families with young children.

Parents have the right to know what he looks like, so they can be on their guard. If he were ever to move in next door to you, wouldn't you want to know?