F v M (Appeal: Fact Finding: Domestic Abuse: Adequate Reasons)

                  This is an appeal by a father ("the father") against findings of domestic abuse made by Deputy District Judge Carson ("the judge") following a hearing on 8-13 September 2022. The judge handed down his decision on 21 October 2022, having responded to requests for clarification from the father's counsel. The father was granted permission by HHJ Murden to appeal the judge's decision on 15 November 2022.

                  The essence of the father's challenge was that judicial analysis of important issues of fact and law was either entirely lacking or inadequate. Important and valid points raised on behalf of the father during cross-examination and in submissions were either not considered at all or were dismissed without justification or adequate explanation.

                  The respondent to this appeal is the mother of the father's two children, a little girl aged 6 who I shall call A and a little girl aged 5 who I shall call B. Neither child has direct contact with the father. The mother opposed the appeal and invited me to uphold the judge's findings of serious sexual and other types of domestic abuse.

                  Following careful consideration, I dismiss the father's appeal.

                  What follows is a summary to give context to the issues engaged in this appeal.