POLL: Should Hartlepool Council have used taxpayers' money to defend the anonymity of Angela Wrightson's killers?

A number of parties, including the girls' barristers, Cleveland Police and Hartlepool Council, argued that the girls would be put at risk if they were named publicly.

But 89% of Hartlepool Mail readers voted to say they want their identities to be revealed.

VOTE: Should the council have paid for a barrister? Click here to voteRepresentations were made in court yesterday, to Mr Justice Henry Globe, by Ian Wise QC on behalf of the council.

He argued that "the welfare of these children outweighs any other interests" and urged the judge to keep the anonymity.

But do you think taxpayers' money should have been used to fund a barrister, who spoke in court yesterday to fight for the girl's anonymity?Speaking in court, Mr Wise added: "The local authority also has an obligation towards family members of these girls.

"There are also financial concerns as a consequence of the widespread publicity concerning the girls. The primary issue is their welfare.

"I would ask for the existing order to remain in place, not the application for the order to be lifted."

VOTE: Should the council have paid for a barrister? Click here to voteRead more:

Teenage girls sentenced to minimum 15 years for brutal murder of Angela WrightsonAngela Wrightson murder: Judge explains why teenage killers will not be named