Judge outlines reasons for naming killer
Judge Mrs Justice Ellenbogen has told the court her reasons for naming the killer of Harvey Willgoose.
Initially referring to Mohammed ‘Umar’ Khan as Boy A, she first outlined the law around youth anonymity in court and then summarised the applications from the press and the response from the defendant’s representatives.
She then explained her reasons to the court as follows:
Justice should take place in open courts and the press should be able to report proceedings
The killing of Harvey was a “serious crime” carried out on school property by one student against another, and the public would want to know the identity of such an offender
Naming Khan now won’t affect his future life prospects as he would’ve been named when he was 18 anyway (in November 2027), and he will still have a “further lengthy period of custody” after that time
It isn’t clear how Khan’s rehabilitation would be affected “other than in the most general of terms” by naming him
There is no evidence that identifying the defendant would affect his mental health, as Khan is in a “secure environment” with access to professionals
While Khan’s parents expressed concern for themselves if he was named, it isn’t the purpose of the law to protect the safety of the defendant’s parents or family members
In summary, the judge said: “I am satisfied that the balance of the important competing interests in this case tips in favour of… identifying Boy A.
“I am satisfied it is in the interests of justice to do so.
“The fact that he is young isn’t in the interests of restricting reporting.”
