In the Interest of Dwayne M.

Ness, Chief Justice:

Appellant was adjudicated a delinquent-for the offenses of committing a lewd act on a minor and indecent exposure. We reverse and remand for a new trial.

The victim, Melody, was five years old when the offense occurred and six years old at the time of trial. When the solicitor called Melody to the stand, the judge, sua sponte, ordered everyone to leave the courtroom except the attorneys and the court reporter. The judge denied defense counsel’s request that appellant be allowed to remain. The judge’s action was apparently based on Melody’s young age.

Appellant alleges…