A regional newspaper editor says magistrates made the “wrong decision” when they refused a bid by his newspaper to name and shame a teenage tearaway.

Llanelli Star editor Andy Pearson said the newspaper had applied to lift reporting restrictions on a 16-year-old persistent offender because it felt his needs were outweighed by those of the local community.

Reporter Allison Thomas-Mears addressed the bench at Llanelli Youth Court as the youth appeared for sentencing after a mini crime spree, which included stealing two cars and burgling sheds. He was sentenced in relation to ten charges.

But magistrates turned down the request because they believed that if he was named by the Star it would have a negative impact on his family.

Chair of the bench Sarah Dew, said the 16-year-old did not have a history of substanial numerous offences.

But editor Andy told HoldtheFrontPage: “We wanted to name him so that the wider community was fully aware of who he was so that he could be shunned in the future.

“The response that we had from the local community in the run up to the trial was that he should be named, and I think magistrates made the wrong decision.

“We understand that families need to be protected and we portion no blame to them. But in this instance we felt the needs of the wider community should take precedence.”

But despite the outcome, Andy said it had not been a wasted process.

He said: “It was the first time that Allison had stood up in court and done something like that.

“She found the experience nervewracking but rewarding and wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.

“Although on this occassion the law was not on our side, it could be next time.”

Back to the law index