Jodie Cudworth, instructed by Charlotte Vassall from Chamberlain Martin Solicitors, was instructed by the Maternal Grandmother in a case concerned non-accidental injuries caused to a child (B).

 Two weeks before B was admitted to hospital, the mother had noticed red dots in B’s eyes. She showed family members who confirmed the same. In the following week, the mother left the children with the father whilst out shopping. When she returned, the mother made a Google search regarding B’s red eyes.

The mother subsequently sought assistance from her health visitor who saw B’s eyes and advised contacting her GP. B was referred to hospital where subconjunctival haemorrhages were diagnosed. X-rays also revealed B had rib fractures which had started to heal. Further, a social worker observed the mother acting calm at hospital whereas the father was distressed, felt physically sick and repeatedly had to go to the bathroom.

The parents were arrested on suspicion of causing the injuries to B. The court granted emergency protection orders followed by interim care orders. The children were placed with the maternal family.

 The court was faced with the difficult issue of determining when the injuries were caused and by whom.

 Bailii citation – https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWFC/OJ/2024/147.html

A full summary of the case and decisions can be found here