A newspaper argued that a 17-year-old knife-wielding robber should be identified in the press because the public should be made aware of who had carried out the crimes – and he could hardly be described as “vulnerable”.

He was appearing in an adult court but had the protection of anonymity through a Section 39 order, designed to protect vulnerable youngsters who might be adversely affected by publicity of court proceedings.

But Judge Peter Heppell, sitting at Hull Crown Court, agreed with the Hull Daily Mail’s submissions and said Lee Seymour’s identification was in the public interest.

He had threatened a female off-licence assistant with a four-inch blade before jumping onto the counter and grabbing £100 in notes from the till.

He was caught after a smash and grab attempt at a city jewellers and had previously threatened to punch a woman before stealing her handbag, which contained her phone, cash and benefit books.

Seymour, of Brucella Grove, Dairycoates, was sentenced to four years for each robbery and 18 months for the jewellery burglary, all to run concurrently.

The judge said: “The offences are so serious there’s a legitimate interest in another knowing the disposal of this case.”

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