H (A Child: Contact: Domestic Abuse), Re

H (A Child: Contact: Domestic Abuse), Re

The risk of harm to the mother and consequent risk to the child from continued direct contact with the father outweighs the harm caused by cessation of contact. The father’s entrenched negative attitude and lack of insight pose ongoing risks, and indirect contact is the least harmful option to safeguard the child’s welfare.

Parties
Appellant Father: Emma Favata; Respondent Local Authority: Emma Pearce; Respondent Mother: Charlie Barrass-Evans; Respondent Child: James Adams
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
23 November 2024
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Judgment
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements, Contact Orders, Domestic Abuse, Parental Responsibility, Supervision Orders, Non Molestation Orders

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Parties

Emma Favata

Appellant Father

Emma Pearce

Respondent Local Authority

Charlie Barrass-Evans

Respondent Mother

James Adams

Respondent Child

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether direct contact between father and child should cease
  2. 2 Weight to be given to expert evidence in contact decisions
  3. 3 Risk of harm to child and mother from continued contact

Ratio Decidendi

The risk of harm to the mother and consequent risk to the child from continued direct contact with the father outweighs the harm caused by cessation of contact. The father’s entrenched negative attitude and lack of insight pose ongoing risks, and indirect contact is the least harmful option to safeguard the child’s welfare.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Child to live with mother
  • Supervision order for one year