A Council v JC & Ors [2025] EWFC 440

Penny Howe KC and Andrew Grime (instructed by A Council Legal Services) acted for the Applicant, Maria Gallagher (led by Lucy Reed KC), instructed by Anne Goodenough of Wansbroughs Solicitors, acted for the 1st Respondent in this composite fact finding and welfare hearing.

The case concerned L, a child born in 2024, who was placed in foster care. L’s half-brother, M, died at about 20 months old in late 2022 from a severe head injury. Care proceedings were brought to determine L’s future, including welfare and fact-finding elements about the circumstances surrounding M’s injury and L’s safety. Both parents have troubled histories, including drug use, and offered contradictory explanations and inconsistent evidence about events relating to M’s death.

Judd J noted that it was in L’s best interests to remain permanently in the care of the foster carers, pursuant to a Special Guardianship Order.

The judgment is here.