The teenager who raped and murdered six-year-old Alesha MacPhail was earlier revealed as Aaron Campbell.

The 16-year-old was subject to legal restrictions preventing his identity being reported because of his age. 

Today a judge granted an order put forward by media outlets asking him to lift the legal ban preventing the teenager's name and photograph from being published.

Crucial to the decision to name Aaron Campbell was the accusations he made against Toni-Louise McLachlan, the girlfriend of Alesha's father, who is just two years older than the killer.

Anthony Graham QC told the court that allegations Campbell made against Ms McLachlan was a "substantial attempt to pervert the course of justice".

Read more: Alesha MacPhail's mother speaks out as teenager found guilty of rape and murder

Mr Graham said: “The incriminee enjoyed no statutory protection and was named and photographed and had her photographs published.

“He has introduced the issue of sexual involvement with the incriminee.

“By the very nature of that defence and by finding him party to that defence, the pannel has introduced to the trial adult themes.”

No appeal was lodged by Campbell’s defence, Brian McConnachie QC.

The Herald:

But the brief told the court that Campbell was "at risk of attack".

Mr McConnachie said: “There was a history of self-harm, of anxiety and he had been tested for ADHD and was awaiting further testing due at the time of his arrest.

“As far as he’s concerned, there’s issues both with attack from others and the potential matter of self-harm.

“The onus is on the party seeking to have the prohibition lifted and to satisfy the court.”

Media lawyer Mr Graham said: “It’s naive to think he remains anonymous on Bute, a community in no little part affected by this.”

And he said Campbell would be locked up at HMYOI Polmont in Falkirk until he was 21.

Judge Lord Matthews told the court: “Children don’t usually commit offences of this nature.”

Mr Graham concurred and said: “It’s unusual for a child to be convicted of murder.”

He urged for Campbell’s name, his address, his images, school and ‘such background which is not protected otherwise’ should be allowed to be published.

Granting the application, Lord Matthews said: “I intend to name the accused.”