Mother v Father

Mother v Father

The court found, on the balance of probabilities, that the father engaged in a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour towards the mother and children, including requiring the use of a signing-in book, installing cameras for monitoring, inappropriate criticism of C1, use of a baseball bat to threaten and...

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Applicant: Mother; Respondent: Father
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
17 December 2024
Procedural Posture
Family / Fact Finding Judgment
Outcome
Findings of fact made against the father; pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour established.
Legal Topics
Domestic Abuse, Coercive and Controlling Behaviour, Child Arrangements, Non Molestation Orders, Fact Finding Hearings
Family Law Child Protection Domestic Abuse Coercive and Controlling Behaviour Child Arrangements Non Molestation Orders Fact Finding Hearings

Source-derived case record

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 5 Authorities cited 13 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Mother

Applicant

Father

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Family / Fact Finding Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the father engaged in coercive and controlling behaviour towards the mother and children
  2. 2 Whether the father physically abused the children
  3. 3 Whether the father breached police bail conditions

Ratio Decidendi

The court found, on the balance of probabilities, that the father engaged in a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour towards the mother and children, including requiring the use of a signing-in book, installing cameras for monitoring, inappropriate criticism of C1, use of a baseball bat to threaten and discipline the children, physical abuse of C1 and C4, and breaching police bail by contacting the mother through a third party. These actions constituted domestic abuse under the relevant legal standards.

Court Disposition

Findings of fact made against the father; pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour established.

Orders

  • Non-molestation order to remain in force until 20th December 2024
  • Prohibited steps order for the children not to be removed from the mother's care