C, Re (Fact Finding Hearing) [2026] EWFC 74 (B) (31 March 2026)

C, Re (Fact Finding Hearing) [2026] EWFC 74 (B) (31 March 2026)

The court found that the overarching allegation of coercive and controlling behaviour was not proven on the balance of probabilities. However, the applicant father was found to have a significant alcohol misuse problem, made a threat of suicide in drink, and committed several acts of physical violence against the respondent mother, including pushing her in Portugal, recklessly injuring her arm in a door incident, smashing her phone, and assaulting her on 1 March 2024 with accompanying abusive language. These findings are relevant to the welfare of the child and will inform future child arrangements.

Citation
[2026] EWFC 74 (B)
Parties
Applicant, Father: VG; Respondent, Mother: KY
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
31 March 2026
Procedural Posture
Family Children Act 1989, Fact Finding Hearing / Fact Finding Hearing
Outcome
Findings of fact made against the applicant father in respect of specific incidents of physical violence and alcohol misuse; overarching coercive control not proven.
Legal Topics
Domestic Abuse, Coercive and Controlling Behaviour, Child Arrangements Order, Physical Assault, Alcohol Misuse, Welfare of the Child
Family Law Domestic Abuse Coercive and Controlling Behaviour Child Arrangements Order Physical Assault Alcohol Misuse Welfare of the Child

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Parties

VG

Applicant, Father

KY

Respondent, Mother

Procedural Posture

Family Children Act 1989, Fact Finding Hearing / Fact Finding Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the applicant father perpetrated domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour and physical violence, against the respondent mother during their relationship; Whether such findings impact the welfare of the child and future child arrangements.

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that the overarching allegation of coercive and controlling behaviour was not proven on the balance of probabilities. However, the applicant father was found to have a significant alcohol misuse problem, made a threat of suicide in drink, and committed several acts of physical violence against the respondent mother, including pushing her in Portugal, recklessly injuring her arm in a door incident, smashing her phone, and assaulting her on 1 March 2024 with accompanying abusive language. These findings are relevant to the welfare of the child and will inform future child arrangements.

Court Disposition

Findings of fact made against the applicant father in respect of specific incidents of physical violence and alcohol misuse; overarching coercive control not proven.

Orders

  • Directions for further case management to address child arrangements in light of findings.
  • Recommendation for the applicant father to address alcohol misuse before unsupervised contact with the child.