In the matter of F and G

The Hon. Michael Beloff, Q.C., President; Dame Heather Steel, Q.C., and; M. S. Jones, Esq., Q.C..

The background is fully set out in the First Decision and we gratefully note the Bailiff's summary:-

In January 1996 the mother met the father and they married in May 1996. A moved back to live with them. However, difficulties continued despite support from the Children's Service and in September 2000 both children were moved to live with the mother's mother ("the grandmother"). They have remained with her since. For a long period there was no contact, but, being of age, they now see the mother when they wish.

On 19th November, 2007, F was seen to have various areas of bruising to his face. We shall refer to this incident in more detail later in this judgment. As a result the children's names were placed on the Child Protection Register under the category of 'At Risk of Physical Injury'. It was agreed that the grandmother would move in to the matrimonial home to live with the mother and children until the police investigation, which had commenced as a result of the bruises, was complete. It was also agreed that the father's contact would revert to being at Milli's.

On 11th May, 2008, the police were contacted following a bruise being noted on F's left cheek. F alleged that his mother had struck him. Following this incident the children were placed temporarily with the grandmother. Arrangements were made that there would be two supervised contacts per week between the children and the mother and that the father's contact would continue to be at Milli's once a week.