Dennis Nilsen, the gay serial killer, is challenging a court ban on the publication of his autobiography.

Nilsen’s lawyers allege that the governor at Whitemoor top security prison is unlawfully blocking the publication of the book. They told the High Court that the ban is a breach of Nilsen’s human rights.

They are also seeking a judicial review of the prison policy on “offensive material” because it discriminates against gay prisoners.

The autobiography will re-ignite the debate about prisoners profiting from their crimes.

The book, entitled ‘Nilsen: History of a Drowning Man’, was written in response to encouragement by prison staff who believed that the serial killer would benefit from examining his own crimes.

Nilsen was jailed in 1983 for killing 12 men at his home in London. His victims were homeless men whom he found in gay bars. He was caught after body parts were found in the drains at his house.

Nilsen is believed to have killed more people. He has been told by the Home Office that he will never be released from prison.