J (Care Order), Re

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Mr Mark Challoner appeared on behalf of the Local Authority. Miss Maureen Obi-Ezekpazu appeared on behalf of the Father. Miss Samantha King appeared on behalf of the Child. ____________________

It was recorded that the father was advised that J was a 12 year old child. The response was that dad could not restrain J, as J would call him a "Paedophile". The father believed that J was not mentally stable.

The evidence in respect of this comes from the film and the documents from the police. The film footage shows matches scattered on the floor in the bedroom, on the stairs and in the living room. The film shows a mark on the stairs at the time described by the police officer as a "scorch" mark. She relates that she had been told by the father that he had put out the fire with water.

The final paragraph is possibly the best place to commence an examination of this overall allegation which is one of emotional harm.