THE judge who presided over the Alesha Macphail murder case will consider an application on Friday from media outlets to lift a ban on identifying the boy.
The 16-year-old can still not be named for legal reasons.
Despite the trial’s conclusion, the law in Scotland prevents identification of any accused persons, witnesses and convicted criminals under the age of 18.
Read more: Mum of Alesha MacPhail reacts to guilty verdict
Even when details are revealed in open court, journalists are prohibited from publishing the name, address, school or any details which could lead to the identification of any live person under 18 involved in criminal proceedings.
As Alesha is dead, it is permissible for her name and photograph to be used in the media.
Read more: In pictures: Teenager found guilty of murder of six-year-old Alesha MacPhail
The age of criminal responsibility in Scotland is eight years old, and the age at which a child can be prosecuted is 12.
According to sources at the court, the 16-year-old cannot yet be identified until he’s 18, but the media have applied to have this anonymity lifted to identify the male who raped and murdered Alesha.
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