A v B & Ors [2025] EWFC 384 (B) (17 October 2025)

A v B & Ors [2025] EWFC 384 (B) (17 October 2025)

The mother admitted that, after breastfeeding ceased, she allowed and invited Z to touch her breasts under clothing, including sucking her nipple, for 'mutual pleasure' in the context of comfort until contact ceased when Z was 7. The court accepted this as fact but, on the evidence and in the absence of findings as to sexual motivation or gratification, declined at this stage to label the conduct as sexual abuse or abuse per se, pending further assessment of the mother's intention and motivation.

Citation
[2025] EWFC 384 (B)
Parties
Applicant: A; 1st Respondent: B; 2nd 3rd Respondents: X & Z (Children by their Children's Guardian, NYAS Caseworker)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
17 October 2025
Procedural Posture
Private Law Children Proceedings (child Arrangements/enforcement) / Composite Fact Finding and Welfare Hearing (fact Finding Only Concluded)
Outcome
Fact-finding concluded on the basis of the mother's admission; no findings of sexual abuse or abuse per se made at this stage; welfare issues and final arrangements adjourned for further assessment.
Legal Topics
Child Arrangements Order, Enforcement of Orders, Allegations of Sexual Abuse, Fact Finding Hearing, Welfare of the Child
Family Law Child Law Child Arrangements Order Enforcement of Orders Allegations of Sexual Abuse Fact Finding Hearing Welfare of the Child

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

A

Applicant

B

1st Respondent

X & Z (Children by their Children's Guardian, NYAS Caseworker)

2nd 3rd Respondents

Procedural Posture

Private Law Children Proceedings (child Arrangements/enforcement) / Composite Fact Finding and Welfare Hearing (fact Finding Only Concluded)

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the mother suggested and/or required her son Z to inappropriately touch her anatomy, specifically her breasts
  2. 2 Whether the father manipulated and/or caused Z to make a false allegation against the mother
  3. 3 Whether the admitted conduct constitutes sexual abuse or evidences lack of boundaries

Ratio Decidendi

The mother admitted that, after breastfeeding ceased, she allowed and invited Z to touch her breasts under clothing, including sucking her nipple, for 'mutual pleasure' in the context of comfort until contact ceased when Z was 7. The court accepted this as fact but, on the evidence and in the absence of findings as to sexual motivation or gratification, declined at this stage to label the conduct as sexual abuse or abuse per se, pending further assessment of the mother's intention and motivation.

Court Disposition

Fact-finding concluded on the basis of the mother's admission; no findings of sexual abuse or abuse per se made at this stage; welfare issues and final arrangements adjourned for further assessment.

Orders

  • Mother's admission of simulated breastfeeding and allowing Z to touch her breasts under clothing, including nipple sucking for comfort, is recorded as a finding of fact.
  • No finding of sexual abuse or abuse per se is made at this stage.