SP v DM [2023] EWHC 2089 (Fam): Important ruling on giving evidence in Family Court proceedings – Pallant Chambers
‘Eve Anstey for Respondent Father – Giving evidence at a fact-finding hearing is, at the best of times, a stressful and emotional experience. Add to that a pregnancy in its third trimester and an important issue on principle is raised about the parameters of the court’s duty to ensure that a trial is conducted fairly whilst ensuring that the mother’s vulnerability is properly protected. In SP v DM, Sir Jonathan Cohen considered that very issue and the Appellant mother’s arguments which significantly attacked the court for purported procedural irregularity in the way that it conducted the fact-finding hearing in respect of mother’s evidence in light of her pregnancy. The appeal was dismissed on all grounds.’
Pallant Chambers, 14th October 2023
Source: www.pallantchambers.co.uk
