A teenage baby killer has been named after the Manchester Evening News and Press Association persuaded a judge to overturn a banning order.

Karl McCluney inflicted 68 separate injuries on two-year-old Demi Leigh Mahon while he was babysitting her on his 15th birthday in July last year, Media Lawyer reports.

The toddler was left brain damaged by the attack and her life support machine was turned off after two days.

McCluney was granted anonymity during the case under Section 39 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933.

PA and the MEN made written submissions arguing that McCluney should be named whether he was convicted of murder, which he had denied, or manslaughter, which he had admitted.

The manageress of the secure unit where McCluney was being held opposed any identification, arguing that he was vulnerable and naming him would put him in danger from other young people, create a risk of retribution when he was released, and also put his family at risk.

Mr Justice Sweeney, sitting at Manchester Crown Court, said: “This is a balancing exercise that I’ve not found in the least easy.

“Although the verdict in this case is one of murder, it’s common ground that Karl suffers from a severe conduct disorder. He is still only 15.

“He is highly vulnerable. On the other hand he has been convicted of an appalling murder and the strength of the interest in open justice and the public knowing as much as possible about what has openly happened in court is a very strong one indeed.

“I’ve reached the conclusion…..this is one of those cases where it’s right for me to exercise my discretion in favour of removing the restrictions that apply.”

The judge also rejected a suggestion by McCluney’s barrister that, if the boy were to be named, he should be identified as having his father’s surname rather than his mother’s, which was the one he actually uses.