C (Born August 2022), Re

C (Born August 2022), Re

The court found that while the overarching allegation of coercive control was not proven, VG perpetrated multiple acts of violence against KY, aggravated by alcohol misuse, including reckless injury, unlawful assault, and threatening behaviour. These acts impede KY's ability to safely parent C and are vicariously harmful to the child. Interim direct contact is unsafe pending resolution of criminal proceedings and risk minimisation.

Parties
Applicant, Father: VG; Respondent, Mother: KY
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
04 January 2026
Procedural Posture
Child Arrangements Order (family Law) / Fact Finding Hearing
Outcome
Facts found against VG for multiple acts of violence; coercive control not proven. No interim direct contact ordered; limited indirect contact permitted via maternal grandparents. Further section 7 report and directions for future proceedings issued.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements, Domestic Abuse, Coercive Control, Alcohol Misuse, Interim Contact, Section 7 Report
Family Law Child Welfare Domestic Violence Child Arrangements Domestic Abuse Coercive Control Alcohol Misuse Interim Contact +1 more

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Parties

VG

Applicant, Father

KY

Respondent, Mother

Procedural Posture

Child Arrangements Order (family Law) / Fact Finding Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether domestic abuse occurred during the relationship
  2. 2 Whether coercive or controlling behaviour was perpetrated
  3. 3 Whether physical assaults occurred as alleged

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that while the overarching allegation of coercive control was not proven, VG perpetrated multiple acts of violence against KY, aggravated by alcohol misuse, including reckless injury, unlawful assault, and threatening behaviour. These acts impede KY's ability to safely parent C and are vicariously harmful to the child. Interim direct contact is unsafe pending resolution of criminal proceedings and risk minimisation.

Court Disposition

Facts found against VG for multiple acts of violence; coercive control not proven. No interim direct contact ordered; limited indirect contact permitted via maternal grandparents. Further section 7 report and directions for future proceedings issued.

Orders

  • No interim direct contact between VG and C pending criminal trial and risk minimisation.
  • Indirect contact permitted via maternal grandparents: cards, letters, gifts (max once per three months); KY to send VG monthly updates and at least one picture of C.