Courts / Cork / Report

Child offenders who lodge appeals past age of 18 should not have anonymity preserved, State argues

Date
2023-12-05

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Cork City

County
Cork

Summary

The State argues that child offenders who become adults before their appeal is heard should not retain anonymity. The Court of Appeal will decide whether the 21‑year‑old who murdered student Cameron Blair can be publicly identified after appealing his sentence post‑turning 18. Mr Justice George Birmingham requested submissions from the Director of Public Prosecutions and the defendant's counsel. The defendant, aged 17 when the murder occurred, pleaded guilty and was sentenced just before his 18th birthday. The Children Act prohibits publishing anything likely to identify a child in court proceedings. Karl Finnegan SC contended that naming the young offender on appeal would violate the Act's spirit, while Anne Rowland SC argued that the Act's literal wording does not extend anonymity beyond 18. Mr Justice Birmingham noted a subsection of the Act that applies to appeal proceedings, questioning its purpose if anonymity is not preserved. The court will rule later.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Child offenders who lodge appeals past age of 18 should not have anonymity preserved, State argues. Charges or matters: murder and was sentenced shortly before his 18th birthday. Procedural stage: appeal

When: