Two members of 1GC acted in this fact-finding hearing in care proceedings brought by a Local Authority regarding a 5-year-old child. Tahmina Rahman acted for the Local Authority; Sam Momtaz QC for the father, who was assisted by an intermediary. All adult parties attended with interpreters. Evidence was heard from a variety of witnesses over 14 days.  

The case presented a number of practical difficulties. Notably the intervenor was ineligible for legal aid but faced serious allegations of sexual assault. The Court put in place a number of participation directions and Recorder Samuels QC observed the additional burden on the Court and on all parties as a consequence of the intervenor being denied legal aid.