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December 5, 2024

Re C (A Child) (Care Proceedings – Publication of Judgment) [2024] EWFC 228 (B) and Re C (A Child) (Care Proceedings – Withdrawal) [2024] EWFC 227 (B)

Barristers: Lucy Reed KC

Areas of Law: Children Public Law and Family & Divorce

Introduction

Lucy Reed KC acted for a grandmother in care proceedings where the local authority had improperly pursued findings of historic sexual abuse against both grandparents without proper analysis of the evidence or assessment of the risks to their vulnerable grandson. This action had resulted in the child’s placement in foster care for a lengthy period.

Lucy was brought in at the point of imminent withdrawal to secure findings and publication of the judgment in accordance with client’s instructions.

Lucy secured findings against both the local authority and police force (for significant failures of disclosure), which is unusual. Lucy also successfully argued for publication of the judgment in the public interest, which was resisted by the local authority, guardian and police.

ASSOCIATED CASES