A (A Child) (Abduction from Pakistan), Re

A (A Child) (Abduction from Pakistan), Re

The father abducted A from the mother in extremely violent circumstances, exposing her to severe psychological harm. The father perpetrated regular domestic abuse against the mother. The father coached A into making false allegations against her mother. Allegations of sexual abuse of girls from the Madrasa and authenticity of the video are not proved. The father's allegations against the mother and her family are rejected as wholly unreliable. The mother did not abuse A at a level causing significant harm. Both parents lied to the court, but the father's dishonesty was extensive and central.

Parties
Applicant: Local Authority; Applicant/respondent: Mother; Respondent: Father; Respondent: Child (A) by Guardian Cathy Stephens; Interested Party: AD
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
17 October 2025
Procedural Posture
Care Order and Return Application / Fact Finding Judgment
Outcome
Fact-finding judgment delivered; findings made as to abduction, abuse, and coaching; allegations of sexual abuse and criminal activity not proved.
Legal Topics
Child Abduction, Care Orders, Domestic Abuse, Fact Finding, Parental Alienation
Family Law Child Protection Child Abduction Care Orders Domestic Abuse Fact Finding Parental Alienation

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Parties

Local Authority

Applicant

Mother

Applicant/respondent

Father

Respondent

Child (A) by Guardian Cathy Stephens

Respondent

AD

Interested Party

Procedural Posture

Care Order and Return Application / Fact Finding Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the father abducted A from the mother in violent circumstances
  2. 2 Whether the father perpetrated domestic abuse against the mother
  3. 3 Whether the father sexually abused children from the local Madrasa

Ratio Decidendi

The father abducted A from the mother in extremely violent circumstances, exposing her to severe psychological harm. The father perpetrated regular domestic abuse against the mother. The father coached A into making false allegations against her mother. Allegations of sexual abuse of girls from the Madrasa and authenticity of the video are not proved. The father's allegations against the mother and her family are rejected as wholly unreliable. The mother did not abuse A at a level causing significant harm. Both parents lied to the court, but the father's dishonesty was extensive and central.

Court Disposition

Fact-finding judgment delivered; findings made as to abduction, abuse, and coaching; allegations of sexual abuse and criminal activity not proved.

Orders

  • Parties invited to consider directions for further proceedings.
  • No findings made as to divorce/remarriage; further evidence required if necessary.