Judith Pepper, barrister at Coram Chambers, has achieved a significant outcome in the Court of Appeal. Judith, instructed by Hopkin Murray Beskine, acted for a father in an appeal regarding an interim care order.
Focus on principles in Re C
The appeal centred on whether the Recorder had correctly applied the principles set out in Re C. The father supported the appeal brought by the children’s guardian.
The key point made on behalf of the father was that the Recorder had omitted any positive factors relating to the father. This oversight left both the father and the Court of Appeal without a clear understanding of the Recorder’s decision, especially as the case was described as finely balanced.
Consideration of alternatives to removal
The judgment also noted the Recorder’s failure to consider alternatives to removing the child from the father’s care. This lack of analysis was a key factor in the appeal being granted.
Case remitted for rehearing
The Court of Appeal granted the appeal and remitted the case to the Central Family Court for a new hearing. The full judgment is now available on the National Archives website.
Read the full judgment here or view/download the file below.
