S (Child Abduction: Joinder of Sibling: Child's Objections)

Robin Barda (instructed by Jones Myers Ltd.) for the Applicant (father) Alistair G Perkins (instructed by Lanyon Bowdler) for the First Respondent (mother) Victoria Clifford (instructed by Mortimers) for the Second Respondent (R) Hearing dates: 17 May 2016 ____________________

i) There is a "grave risk" that a return of S to France would expose her to psychological harm, or otherwise place her in an intolerable situation;

ii) S objects to returning to France, and is she of an age and maturity at which I should take account of her views.

If either of these exceptions are made out, this opens the door to the exercise of my discretion as to whether to return S, and the mother contends that I should exercise it by refusing the application.

i) The likely separation of the siblings, R having indicated her firm intention to remain living in England;