JOHN RUTTER - PHOTOGRAPHER 'TRIED TO SELL' TOPLESS DIAZ PHOTOS

LATEST: JOHN RUTTER tried to sell topless photos of actress CAMERON DIAZ back to her for $3.3 million (GBP1.9 million), the Los Angeles Superior Court has heard.

The CHARLIE'S ANGELS beauty posed for the series of risque photos two years before she shot to fame in the 1992 JIM CARREY film THE MASK, but - according to Diaz - she never signed a release form for the pictures.

The court held a preliminary hearing yesterday (19NOV03) and was told photographer Rutter - who stands accused of forging the star's signature on the release forms - had approached a European agency who were prepared to hand over $5 million (GBP2.9 million) in exchange for the 20 snaps, which Diaz contests he had no legal right to sell.

According to Detective BRIAN BENNETT of the Los Angeles District Attorney's office Diaz was worried the publication of the pictures could damage her chance at winning roles in family films, such as upcoming sequel SHREK 2.

Mr Rutter is charged with attempted extortion, attempted theft, perjury and forgery. The case continues.