C, In the Matter Of [2026] EWFC 33 (B) (29 January 2026)

C, In the Matter Of [2026] EWFC 33 (B) (29 January 2026)

The court found, on the balance of probabilities and based on unanimous and unchallenged expert medical evidence, that C's injuries were non-accidental and inflicted. The only persons with opportunity were the parents. The court found Mr F was the sole perpetrator of the physical injuries and Ms M failed to protect...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2026] EWFC 33 (B)
Parties
Applicant: A Council; 1st Respondent: Mother; 2nd Respondent: Father; 3rd Respondent: The Child C (by her Children's Guardian)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
29 January 2026
Procedural Posture
Care Proceedings (children Act 1989) / Fact Finding Hearing
Outcome
Findings of fact made: Mr F found to have inflicted all injuries on C; Ms M found to have failed to protect and seek medical attention but not to have inflicted injuries.
Legal Topics
Care Orders, Non Accidental Injury, Fact Finding, Parental Responsibility, Failure to Protect
Family Law Child Protection Care Orders Non Accidental Injury Fact Finding Parental Responsibility Failure to Protect

Source-derived case record

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

A Council

Applicant

Mother

1st Respondent

Father

2nd Respondent

The Child C (by her Children's Guardian)

3rd Respondent

Procedural Posture

Care Proceedings (children Act 1989) / Fact Finding Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether C's injuries were non-accidental/inflicted
  2. 2 Identification of perpetrator(s) of injuries
  3. 3 Whether either parent failed to protect C or seek medical attention

Ratio Decidendi

The court found, on the balance of probabilities and based on unanimous and unchallenged expert medical evidence, that C's injuries were non-accidental and inflicted. The only persons with opportunity were the parents. The court found Mr F was the sole perpetrator of the physical injuries and Ms M failed to protect C and failed to seek appropriate medical attention, but did not inflict injuries herself.

Court Disposition

Findings of fact made: Mr F found to have inflicted all injuries on C; Ms M found to have failed to protect and seek medical attention but not to have inflicted injuries.

Orders

  • Findings of fact as set out in the judgment to stand for the purposes of future welfare and care planning for C.
  • Matter to be listed for further hearing to determine welfare and final care order.