A Local Authority v HE & Ors [2025] EWFC 372 (B) (20 August 2025)

A Local Authority v HE & Ors [2025] EWFC 372 (B) (20 August 2025)

The court found, on the balance of probabilities, that Mr E inflicted multiple non-accidental injuries and caused significant physical, psychological, and emotional harm to P and B, as set out in the local authority's schedule of findings (save for one part). The evidence, including medical expert reports, police interviews, and the children's consistent accounts, was overwhelming and unchallenged. Given the seriousness and number of injuries, Mr E's denial, lack of contrition, and ongoing risk, the children's welfare required that they remain together in long-term foster care, with only professionally supervised contact with Mr E, subject to risk assessment and the outcome of criminal...

Citation
[2025] EWFC 372 (B)
Parties
Applicant: A Local Authority; 1st Respondent: HE; 2nd Respondents: P & B (by their Children's Guardian)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
20 August 2025
Procedural Posture
Care Order Application Under Children Act 1989 / Composite Fact Finding and Welfare Hearing
Outcome
Final care order granted; children to remain together in long-term foster care.
Legal Topics
Care Orders, Non Accidental Injury, Child Welfare, Threshold Criteria, Parental Responsibility, Fact Finding Hearings
Family Law Child Protection Care Orders Non Accidental Injury Child Welfare Threshold Criteria Parental Responsibility Fact Finding Hearings

Case Brief

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Parties

A Local Authority

Applicant

HE

1st Respondent

P & B (by their Children's Guardian)

2nd Respondents

Procedural Posture

Care Order Application Under Children Act 1989 / Composite Fact Finding and Welfare Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether P and B suffered non-accidental/inflicted injuries and harm
  2. 2 Whether Mr E perpetrated the injuries and harm
  3. 3 What future living arrangements serve the children's welfare

Ratio Decidendi

The court found, on the balance of probabilities, that Mr E inflicted multiple non-accidental injuries and caused significant physical, psychological, and emotional harm to P and B, as set out in the local authority's schedule of findings (save for one part). The evidence, including medical expert reports, police interviews, and the children's consistent accounts, was overwhelming and unchallenged. Given the seriousness and number of injuries, Mr E's denial, lack of contrition, and ongoing risk, the children's welfare required that they remain together in long-term foster care, with only professionally supervised contact with Mr E, subject to risk assessment and the outcome of criminal...

Court Disposition

Final care order granted; children to remain together in long-term foster care.

Orders

  • P and B to remain placed together in long-term foster care.
  • No rehabilitation to Mr E's care at this stage.