CHILD killer Shaun Armstrong could soon be back in court in the town where he murdered toddler Rosie Palmer, The Northern Echo can reveal.

Armstrong is using public money to sue author Bernard O'Mahoney for £15,000 damages over a series of letters the killer sent, and the profits of any book which may be written about him.

The case was due to be heard in Liverpool, but it has emerged it could now take place at Hartlepool County Court, with Armstrong appearing in person to give evidence.

According to a letter seen by The Northern Echo, the killer's Liverpool solicitor, Elkan Abrahamson, is keen for his client to give evidence and the move has been backed by Mr O'Mahoney. The author, who is representing himself, is pressing for the case to go ahead in Hartlepool, while Mr Abrahamson would prefer it to be heard in London.

The prospect of Armstrong appearing in Hartlepool has caused further outrage in the community, where feelings were already running high over his legal bid.

Councillor Kevin Kelly, a former member of the Rosie Palmer Foundation, said yesterday: "He would be glorifying in it in an area where he committed his act. It is immoral and totally wrong for him to give evidence in Hartlepool.

"The case would receive national media attention and it would just open up old wounds. The further away from Hartlepool it is held the better."

The Mayor of Hartlepool, Doug Ferriday, agreed and said: "People in Hartlepool will be very angry whatever happens.

"As far as they're concerned, he should have been hanged anyway. I would certainly prefer it wasn't held here because it's going to be reported in the press, and there will be demonstrations."

It is understood that Armstrong's legal costs alone are estimated at £7,500, which will be funded by the taxpayer.

Mr Abrahamson was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Mr O'Mahoney said: "I would like it to be moved to Hartlepool. I wouldn't want to waste other people's money - he's in Durham Prison and it would be cheaper if it was heard in the North-East."

Three-year-old Rosie Palmer was murdered in 1994 after being abducted yards from her home in Henrietta Street, Hartlepool.

Mr O'Mahoney extracted a confession from Armstrong after writing to him in prison while he was on remand before his trial.

The author pretended to be a woman and, over an 11-month period, was told horrific details of the murder in correspondence with Armstrong.

The killer is suing Mr O'Mahoney for breach of confidence and the profits of any book which may be written.

The author says is planning to donate any money made from a book he hopes to write to a children's charity.

A spokeswoman for the Lord Chancellor's Department said a county court hearing could be moved.

But she added: "It would be totally up to the judge to decide.

"He would ask to hear representations from both sides and make a decision based on the arguments in that case."

A spokesman for the Prison Service said: "If a prisoner was required by a court to give evidence, then he could do so. Obviously he would be escorted."