The court found a test for dangerousness used for adult offenders had been applied, and quashed the indeterminate sentence.
Adult offenders are automatically considered dangerous if they have committed certain previous offences. But for under 18s the same presumption does not apply.
The Howard League for Penal Reform brought the case, after the boy’s mother contacted the charity for help.
Frances Crook, director of the Howard League, said: “Children are learning and developing individuals. The court must consider children with that in mind.”
The young man was convicted earlier this year for a series of robberies.
He had been given an indeterminate sentence for public protection, with a minimum jail term of 15 months. After this he could have been considered for parole, with a minimum license period of 10 years.
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