AB v BB [2026] EWFC 111 (B) (07 May 2026)

AB v BB [2026] EWFC 111 (B) (07 May 2026)

The risk posed by the father to the children, particularly DB, remains too high for unsupervised contact due to his lack of insight, minimisation of his conduct, and failure to complete meaningful intervention. The court places limited weight on the expert psychological assessment due to incomplete information and self-reporting, and no weight on polygraph evidence. CB may have unsupervised contact, subject to a gradual progression and safeguards, but DB's contact must remain supervised until further work is completed and risk is reassessed.

Citation
[2026] EWFC 111 (B)
Parties
Applicant/father: AB; Respondent/mother: BB
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
07 May 2026
Procedural Posture
Child Arrangements/family Law / Final Judgment
Outcome
Partly allowed; supervised and unsupervised contact arrangements ordered as per welfare assessment.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements, Contact Orders, Risk Assessment, Child Sexual Abuse Material, Expert Evidence, Welfare Checklist
Family Law Child Protection Child Arrangements Contact Orders Risk Assessment Child Sexual Abuse Material Expert Evidence Welfare Checklist

Case Brief

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Parties

AB

Applicant/father

BB

Respondent/mother

Procedural Posture

Child Arrangements/family Law / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What form of contact, if any, should the father have with his children given his viewing of prohibited images?
  2. 2 Does the risk posed by the father permit unsupervised contact with either or both children?
  3. 3 What weight should be given to expert and polygraph evidence in assessing risk?

Ratio Decidendi

The risk posed by the father to the children, particularly DB, remains too high for unsupervised contact due to his lack of insight, minimisation of his conduct, and failure to complete meaningful intervention. The court places limited weight on the expert psychological assessment due to incomplete information and self-reporting, and no weight on polygraph evidence. CB may have unsupervised contact, subject to a gradual progression and safeguards, but DB's contact must remain supervised until further work is completed and risk is reassessed.

Court Disposition

Partly allowed; supervised and unsupervised contact arrangements ordered as per welfare assessment.

Orders

  • Children to live with the mother.
  • Both children to have supervised contact with the father weekly, supervised by the maternal grandmother.