A quick-thinking trainee reporter has successfully overturned an order that would have prevented his newspaper from naming a young gang member who had terrorised his neighbourhood.

Mike Sherburn, (26), who works for the Eastern Daily Press in its Lowestoft office, arrived for what appeared to be a routine morning at court when he found himself at the centre of a legal conundrum.

Lawyers wanted to block a bid allowing the newspaper to publish some details of the gang, including the name and details of a 16-year-old boy.

But moments before the hearing Mike secured the support of Waveney District Council, who were prosecuting the case, and succeeded in persuading the court to lift reporting restrictions.

Mike, who has worked for Archant since August 2001, said: "I was delighted.

"It was my first challenge and a bit nerve-wracking, but it was exhilarating to be able to take an active part in proceedings."

And in a lucky twist of fate, Mike was also able to secure a photograph after he heard one of the gang members had dumped a copy of his court order in the bin.

Mike immediately called photographer Bill Darnell who managed to capture the moment for a page lead story.

Normally the press are banned from taking pictures within a court building but Mike persuaded the court clerks that since the photo was of an inanimate object and not a person it was not covered by the ban.

Paul Durrant, assistant editor (news), said: "It's always daunting for a young reporter to stand up in front of magistrates or a judge and explain why we think, in the public interest, someone should be identified.

"But it's something all reporters should aspire to in the right circumstances. Mike did very well."

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