'End book profits for criminals'

Criminals should be prevented from profiting from books about their crimes, the Tories said today.

Opposition leader Michael Howard said his party would treat fees and royalties from books or articles as the proceeds of crime.

Under a Tory government, the money would be seized by the courts.

It follows claims that former lover of Soham killer Ian Huntley, Maxine Carr, is preparing to sell her story. Her mother is said to be in negotiations with a publisher over a reported ?250,000 book deal.

The Labour Party says it agrees with Mr Howard's view and is reviewing the issue.