ABC against DEF (Sheriff Court Civil) [2025] SCLIV 87 (12 August 2025)

ABC against DEF (Sheriff Court Civil) [2025] SCLIV 87 (12 August 2025)

On the balance of probabilities, the pursuer sexually assaulted the child on two occasions, as supported by credible and reliable evidence from the defender and her witnesses, and the defender did not fabricate the allegations.

Citation
[2025] SCLIV 87
Parties
Pursuer: ABC; Defender: DEF
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Judgment Date
12 August 2025
Procedural Posture
Family Action (child Contact) / Post Preliminary Proof, Judgment on Sexual Abuse Allegations
Outcome
Action dismissed
Legal Topics
Child Contact, Sexual Abuse Allegations, Standard of Proof in Civil Cases, Credibility and Reliability of Witnesses

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

ABC

Pursuer

DEF

Defender

Procedural Posture

Family Action (child Contact) / Post Preliminary Proof, Judgment on Sexual Abuse Allegations

  1. 1 Whether the pursuer sexually assaulted the child in August 2020 and March 2021
  2. 2 Whether the defender fabricated allegations to end the relationship
  3. 3 Whether the child's reluctance to attend contact was due to abuse or manipulation

Ratio Decidendi

On the balance of probabilities, the pursuer sexually assaulted the child on two occasions, as supported by credible and reliable evidence from the defender and her witnesses, and the defender did not fabricate the allegations.

Court Disposition

Action dismissed

Orders

  • Case dismissed following joint minute after preliminary proof; no further contact ordered; case to call on procedure roll vacated.