The media have been banned from attending the court hearings of three teens who are expected to be charged with setting fire to Harrington Sound School last month.

Magistrate Carlisle Greaves yesterday refused to speak to The Royal Gazette's Editor William Zuill and a lawyer when they tried to meet with him.

Earlier, a reporter had been told at the Magistrates' Court offices that access to the Juvenile courtroom was at the discretion of the magistrate.

The Magistrate makes his or her decision after consulting with the parties involved.

The news comes after confusion on whether a hearing into the alleged arson would go ahead yesterday.

Anonymous tips that at least one teenager would be charged yesterday morning proved to be false.

Court staff said the hearing was not scheduled and they did not know when files on the case would be ready.

And the reporter was told he would not be allowed into the courtroom.

Section 13 of the Young Offenders Act 1950 states that only members and officers of the court, the parties involved, "bona fide'' reporters, and other authorised people be allowed into the court.

The following section directs that a newspaper report cannot reveal the name, address or school, or any particulars that might lead to the identification of a child involved in court proceedings.

In addition a photograph of a young offender cannot be used.

Press barred from court Police have questioned three 14-year-old boys from Smith's Parish and Pembroke in connection with the February 19 arson.

Royal Gazette Editor Mr. Zuill said he was disappointed with Mr. Greaves' actions.

"The law is quite clear on this point and this newspaper is quite prepared to follow the law. We have taken legal advice and will pursue all legal avenues to ensure that the public can be informed on cases which take place in the juvenile court.

"Justice has to be seen to be done, and while we agree that juveniles should not be identified, we have a role as watchdogs to ensure that the public knows what is occurring in court cases.''