View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. Archive content
August 8, 2005updated 22 Nov 2022 4:24pm

Axe killing suspect named thanks to broadcasters

By Press Gazette

Caitlin Pike
Sky and ITN managed to overturn a Section 39
order banning the identification of a 17-year-old Liverpool youth
accused of the racially-motivated murder of a black teenager.
Michael
Barton appeared at Knowsley Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning when a
Section 39 order was made protecting his identity. Paul Taylor,
aged 20, was also charged with murder in connection with the death of
Anthony Walker who was killed with an axe as he walked home with his
girlfriend.
ITN and Sky’s solicitor Jon
Oakley from Brabners Chaffe Street said: “Restriction orders are a
sensible way to protect juveniles, however in this case there were
special circumstances as everyone already knew who Michael Barton was.
“The case has attracted a lot of media attention.
Not only does it involve an alleged racist murder, but Barton’s brother
is also a Premiership footballer and his appeal for the pair to turn
themselves in was widely reported. There is also the fact that Barton’s
birthday is in March so by the time it comes to trial he will already
be 18.”
His Honour Judge Globe QC accepted their arguments.
Jon Oakley added: “The decision at 4.25pm came
less than six hours after we were first instructed and well in time for
our clients’ evening news bulletins.”

Content from our partners
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition
Publishing on the open web is broken, how generative AI could help fix it

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network