A judge has spoken out to praise the “vital” role of newspapers in court reporting, after a mother complained about coverage of her son’s case.

The Hereford Times reported on the case of Thai Craft, who pleaded guilty to kicking an unconscious stranger in the head while drunk.

Craft’s mother had written to Hereford Crown Court to complain about press coverage of her son’s earlier court appearances in connection with the case.

In response, Judge Toby Hooper QC said he felt “moved to comment” on the crucial role newpapers play.

The judge said he wanted to take the opportunity to say “how vital it is to society to have strong local newspapers to advise and inform the public about the things that go on in places and at times which the vast majority of people never associate with at all.”

He added that, thanks to the press, “the public know what their taxes are going on.”

Craft, 24, of Chandos Street, Whitecross, pleaded guilty to assaulting Thomas Morgan, causing him actual bodily harm and was given a 13-month suspended sentence, active for 18 months.

Judge Hooper also made a supervision requirement of 12 months, ordered him to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and pay £500 in compensation to the victim plus court costs of £250.