A 17-year-old boy who threw acid in a man's face has lost his right to remain anonymous.

Basildon Magistrates Court lifted the anonymity order after hearing representations from Press Association and Basildon Echo journalists.

Under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, minors are automatically granted anonymity unless a magistrate or judge decides it is appropriate to lift the order.

Magistrate Paul Brandis said it was in the public interest for Courtney Bunce's identity to be known because of the seriousness of the offence, Media Lawyer reports.

Mr Brandis said he would turn 18 in August and concluded the case was so exceptional that restrictions preventing the defendant being named should be lifted.

But the court ordered that no other details about Bunce, including his address, should be published.

Bunce admitted grievous bodily harm and is due to be sentenced next month.

The victim, 19-year-old landscape gardener Stephen Kerslake, suffered such severe facial burns he has to apply factor 50 sunscream before going outside.

His father Bernie said after the hearing: "I am very pleased that people can now know who he is.

"To my mind, this case is unique. It's bad enough youngsters are carrying knives but to me this is worse.

"Who carries acid around with them on the street in the early hours of the morning?

"If you are attacked with a knife, maybe then there's a chance of fending it off, but when somebody throws acid at you, what chance do you have?

"My son could have been blinded and very, very seriously hurt."