A Watford-based national newspaper journalist who was convicted of paying a policeman for stories is fighting to clear his name at the Court of Appeal.

Anthony Jonathan France, 42, is the last reporter still standing convicted of alleged offences arising out of the Operation Elveden corruption inquiry.

France, of Diamond Road, paid thousands of pounds to a Heathrow Airport-based policeman for stories which were printed in The Sun.

The crime reporter, who was of good character, was convicted of aiding and abetting misconduct in public office at the Old Bailey in 2015.

He was given a suspended sentence with community service, which he served working in an Oxfam shop in St Albans.

But he was back in court in London again today (Wednesday, May 11) as his lawyers kicked off a bid to overturn the conviction.

Barrister Richard Kovalevsky QC said the jury at France's trial deserved more help from the judge when considering their verdict.

He told three senior judges at the Court of Appeal that the case revolved around how the jury should have considered the issue of the 'public interest'.

Adjourning the case and ordering a further hearing, Lady Justice Hallett did not formally give permission for France to appeal.

But she said: "We think there is enough here for the full court to consider."

France, who was supported in court by a crowd of fellow journalists, sat behind his lawyers, but did not speak.

His barrister said: "This has been hanging over him for a very long time."

Mr Kovalevsky added that, despite having completed his community service at the St Albans charity shop, he continues to work there voluntarily.

No date was set for the next hearing in France's appeal.