Liverpool Echo Overturns Court Order Banning Naming of Teenage Murderer

The Liverpool Echo succeeded in getting a Section 39 order, which banned a teenager murderer from being named, overturned.

Echo court reporter Chloe Griffiths informally approached the prosecution to request they ask the judge to lift the order which prevented the Trinity Mirror title from identifying 17-year-old James Moore.

Moore admitted murdering 16-year-old army cadet Joseph Lappin who was stabbed to death outside a youth club in Everton.

At Liverpool Crown Court last week, the judge lifted the Section 39 order, saying the “public have a right to know that he has admitted this killing”.

Seven men and two youths also admitted their involvement in the incident pleading guilty to conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.

Chloe was also successful in requesting the ban on naming the two youths be lifted.

She said: “It was essential that the defendants in this case be named. The judge realised straight away that there was a massive public interest in the case and that people had a right to know who they were.”

For more information please contact Paul Sinker on 020 7632 7424 or e-mail sinkerp@newspapersoc.org.uk.