A Local Authority v A Mother & Ors

A Local Authority v A Mother & Ors

The court found, on the balance of probabilities, that the mother inflicted non-accidental injuries to Hannah's left eye and ear, tampered with medical equipment, and caused significant harm. The pattern of injuries, expert evidence, and absence of injuries during foster care supported the findings. The threshold for significant harm attributable to the mother's care was met.

Parties
Applicant: A Local Authority; 1st Respondent: A Mother; 2nd Respondent: A Father; 3rd Respondent: Hannah (through her Children’s Guardian)
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 June 2025
Procedural Posture
Care and Supervision Proceedings / Judgment
Outcome
Findings of fact made against the mother; threshold for significant harm met.
Legal Topics
Non Accidental Injury, Physical Abuse, Medical Evidence, Threshold Criteria, Care Orders
Family Law Child Protection Non Accidental Injury Physical Abuse Medical Evidence Threshold Criteria Care Orders

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Parties

A Local Authority

Applicant

A Mother

1st Respondent

A Father

2nd Respondent

Hannah (through her Children’s Guardian)

3rd Respondent

Procedural Posture

Care and Supervision Proceedings / Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether injuries to Hannah were non-accidental and inflicted by the mother
  2. 2 Whether the mother tampered with medical equipment
  3. 3 Whether trauma or infection caused ear and eye injuries

Ratio Decidendi

The court found, on the balance of probabilities, that the mother inflicted non-accidental injuries to Hannah's left eye and ear, tampered with medical equipment, and caused significant harm. The pattern of injuries, expert evidence, and absence of injuries during foster care supported the findings. The threshold for significant harm attributable to the mother's care was met.

Court Disposition

Findings of fact made against the mother; threshold for significant harm met.

Orders

  • Hannah remains in foster care; supervised contact only for the mother.
  • Local authority authorised to plan for Hannah’s permanent placement.