THE identities of those involved in the attack on Mr Sheppard are protected by reporting restrictions because of their age. Orders made under Section 39 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 applied to all three 16-year-olds.

The press can ask judges to lift such legislation where it could be argued that the offending was persistent or serious, had an impact on people, or would alert others to the offender's behaviour.

Judge Stokes QC left the restrictions in place as he dealt with the main offender. He said it would not be right for him to be named as it is likely to adversely affect his rehabilitation.