THE substantial sentences handed down to the two Northallerton schoolboys who plotted a massacre at their school should hopefully allow a community still in shock that such a terrible act could be planned in their midst to recover.

The sentences should also bring confidence that the justice system will deal severely with those whose criminal fantasies cross the line into becoming reality – and send a message to any other similarly-minded young people of the potential consequences of their actions.

The fact that the judge, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb, chose to lift restrictions which banned the media from reporting the names of the boys, is also an important factor in justice being seen to be done.

The ability of the media to report proceedings in open court is a crucial element of the British justice system. Where juveniles appear in adult courts, restrictions are usually applied. In many cases this is not opposed by reporters as there is no real public interest in their identities being known. Often there are very good reasons for them to retain anonymity.

Yesterday in lifting the ban on naming Thomas Wyllie and Alex Bolland, the judge went against representations from both the prosecution and the defence, who argued that naming the boys would harm their rehabilitation.

She said the need for open justice outweighed this consideration. We strongly agree, and hope her decision plays a part in allowing a town – and a school – to move on.