ON Wednesday a jury of nine women and three men found a 17-year-old boy guilty of killing Lindsay Birbeck.

Following the verdict, which was delivered in Preston Crown Court at 3.20pm, an application to the judge was made asking her to lift the reporting restriction that prevents the media from naming the teenager.

Legally, the boy cannot be named in any publication because he is under the age of 18 - by law anyone under the age of 18 has an automatic right to anonymity.

However, due to the nature of the case, it was deemed appropriate to request this restriction be removed.

Today, the judge, Her Honour Amanda Justice Yip, and full counsel, will sit in court to discuss the application, which defence barrister Mark Fenhalls QC is expected to oppose.

If the restriction is lifted, we will be able to name the teenager and also print his photo.

If not, publicising his name will only be allowed once he turns 18.

When the verdict was delivered, the defendant appeared via videolink from HMP Wetherby.

Mrs Justice Yip will pass sentence on Friday.

It is expected the youth will be brought to court for the hearing.