RESTRICTIONS on identifying a killer were lifted after a media application made by The Argus.

Trent Hutchinson, 17, of Elphick Road, Newhaven, had been protected by an anonymity order during his trial.

But after being found guilty of the murder of 18-year-old friend Ollie Wells, crime reporter Aidan Barlow asked for the restriction to be lifted.

The family of Ollie agreed with the application because it would help to deter knife crime.

Judge Jeremy Gold QC backed The Argus application before imposing a life sentence with a minimum term of 14 years.

Reporting restrictions are put in place to ensure the welfare of those aged under 18 in court proceedings. But are also weighed against the public interest and concern in knowing about serious incidents.

The principle of open justice in the UK means that the media has a right to keep the public informed.

Judge Gold QC said: “There is a strong public interest in any young people under the age of 18 not being identified in cases such as this.

“Trent would, in any event, reach his 18th birthday in March next year when there would be no further restriction on reporting his details.

“He is going to remain in custody until then. So the impact on him is much reduced.I have to bear in mind that now he is convicted of murder, whereas he was not previously.

"There is an understandable public concern about knife crime.

"There is also a significant public interest in the case being properly and fairly reported so that there may be a deterrent effect to those who would take a knife and use it in these difficult times.”