Two thugs who left a 13-year-old brain damaged have been named and shamed thanks to the Kent Messenger overturning a court gagging order.

Court reporter Keith Hunt successfully challenged the Section 39 Order on teenagers Jordan Akehurst, 14, and Dylan Richards, 15, after they left Jack Blanchard unable to speak, wash or dress himself.

Akehurst and Jack Blanchard had met for an ‘arranged’ fight and, after Akehurst knocked him to the ground, he stamped on his head causing permanent brain damage.

Richards and a third youth, aged 15, joined in the attack with kicks and the incident was filmed on a mobile phone by an onlooker.

Akehurst admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent and the two others admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm.

The original Order, under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, had been in place until sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court.

In written submissions, Mr Hunt argued that it should be lifted in the public interest, due to the serious nature of the case and to act as a deterrent to others.

He pointed out there was no automatic ban on identifying a juvenile defendant, whatever his or her age may be, when appearing in an adult court.

Mr Hunt also cited Lord Justice Glidewell’s comments in the Court of Appeal in 1994 when he said: “As a general proposition, there is strong and proper public interest in knowing the identity of those who have committed crimes, particularly serious and detestable crimes.”

Judge Jeremy Carey read out the contents of the letter in full but decided not to lift the reporting restrictions on the 15-year-old boy who was not sent into youth custody.

Barristers for all three had argued the order should remain in place.

Judge Carey said: “I have no doubt there is a substantial deterrent element in naming defendants, but I have to consider the other side of the argument to the effect there is potential for real and irreparable damage to defendants in the public domain.

“I reach the firm conclusion in the case of Jordan Akehurst and Dylan Richards, both of whom will be the subject of a custodial sentence, that the public interest substantially outweighs their personal position, despite their youth, and there should now be publication of their names.”

Editor Bob Bounds said: “Here’s another example of a local journalist, in this case a highly experienced court reporter, making a successful submission to the court, which paves the way for all media to cover the case fully.

“This one was picked up by the nationals but it’s only thanks to us that this nasty case got the coverage it deserved.”