THE teenage killers of Bolton schoolboy Reece Tansey can be identified for the first time today after a judge lifted reporting restrictions preventing them from being named.

James White, aged 16, who was convicted of murdering 15-year-old Reece, and his accomplice, Mark Nuttall, aged 15, who was found guilty of manslaughter, are currently serving sentences for their crimes.

Throughout their four week trial at Manchester Crown Court last year a legal restriction prevented them being named prior to their 18th birthdays.

But following a successful application by The Bolton News and other media today, the trial Judge, Mrs Justice Farbey, agreed to lift the ban on identifying them.

The move came after Clare Ashcroft, representing Nuttall, stated that she did not oppose the press application as he is due to be released after serving three years of his six-year sentence and his release date falls just two weeks before he turns 18.

She stated that Nuttall would prefer his identity to be known now instead of when he is released.

Mrs Justice Farbey agreed that, in this case, the principle of open justice outweighs concerns about the welfare of the defendants.

Last month White was given a life sentence with a minimum of 15 years in detention for Reece’s murder.

Reece died from multiple stab wounds following an altercation in Walker Avenue, Great Lever in the early hours of May 4 last year.

White, formerly of Farnworth, who was named as Boy A in reports of the trial, admitted stabbing Reece but denied intending to kill or seriously injure him. Nuttall, also of Farnworth, described as Boy B, claimed he did not know his friend had a knife.

To read more about the trial visit https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/19696174.timeline-events-reece-tansey-murder-trial/