An investigation has been launched after the Hartlepool Mail was banned from fully identifying a suspected sex attacker.

Magistrates imposed a ban on the publication of the defendant's new address after hearing his home had been subjected to demonstrations by members of the public.

The ban was made under Section 11 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981, which allows details to be withheld from the public where failure to grant anonymity would render the attainment of justice really doubtful or, in effect, impracticable.

The Mail appealed against the decision, claiming the move could set a dangerous precedent and goes against the principles of open justice.

And now the chief clerk to Hartlepool justices, Keith Thompson, has agreed to look further into the circumstances behind the decision, including the advice given to magistrates by the court clerk at the time.

In a letter to Mr Thompson, Mail editor Harry Blackwood said: "We respectfully submit that the "order" under Section 11 of the Contempt of Court Act banning the reporting of Mr Thornhill's address is inappropriate and invalid.

"We further submit that Section 11 was not designed for the comfort and feelings of defendants and should only be used where the administration of justice requires confidentiality."

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