We applaud the decision of District Judge Brian Loosley to allow us to name the youth found guilty of arson at Longfields Primary School, Bicester.

The public has a right to know who perpetrates such horrendous crimes.

Ian Leach may be only 17, but he is old enough to know right from wrong.

It would be a disgrace if he were allowed to hide behind a cloak of anonymity.

Publicity at his age should be part of the punishment.

Although he may not have started the fire, he played a full part in the destruction of the school, acting as lookout.

He later returned to see the blaze and filmed it on his mobile phone.

At no time did he attempt to stop his accomplice, or raise the alarm and minimise the damage.

As a result, a large part of the school was wrecked, £190,000 damage was caused and pupils' school work was ruined.

The surprise is that Leach has got away with a referral order and was not locked up.

We hope in the coming months, under supervision, he will reflect on his stupidity which has caused distress and disruption to the lives of so many.