Children Act, 2001

Anonymity of child in court proceedings.

252.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), in relation to any proceedings for an offence against a child or where a child is a witness in any such proceedings—

(a) no report which reveals the name, address or school of the child or includes any particulars likely to lead to his or her identification, and

(b) no picture which purports to be or include a picture of the child or which is likely to lead to his or her identification,

shall be published or included in a broadcast.

(2) The court may dispense to any specified extent with the requirements of subsection (1) if it is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so in the interests of the child.

(3) Where the court dispenses with the requirements of subsection (1), the court shall explain in open court why it is satisfied it should do so.

(4) Subsections (3) to (6) of section 51 shall apply, with the necessary modifications, for the purposes of this section.

(5) Nothing in this section shall affect the law as to contempt of court.