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Children who turn 18 during court proceedings can be identified - landmark Court of Appeal judgement
Summary
In a landmark Court of Appeal judgement, the court ruled that Section 93 of the Children Act applies only to a child, defined as a person under 18. The decision means that a child who turns 18 during proceedings or before an appeal can no longer be protected by anonymity. The case concerned a 21‑year‑old who was 17 when he pleaded guilty to the murder of Cameron Blair. The court held that reporting restrictions do not extend to those who age out before proceedings conclude. Justice Isobel Kennedy emphasised that the Act's language is clear and that extending anonymity would require rewriting the legislation. Mr Justice George Birmingham announced a stay on lifting reporting restrictions to allow a potential appeal to the Supreme Court. The ruling will affect child defendants who turn 18 before their trial or sentence is completed.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Children who turn 18 during court proceedings can be identified - landmark Court of Appeal judgement. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- January 16, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-01-19 Publication
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