I represented a father of a baby in care proceeding. The LA alleged his former partner had attempted to induce her labour. The father wanted the evidence tested.

• There was a 6-day fact-finding hearing. The evidence ran to 3,000 pages and was complex. In live evidence the consultant obstetrician altered his view from his reports, saying he was no longer sure, on the balance of probabilities, that the mother had attempted an induction. His reasons were “confirmation bias” with hindsight.
• HHJ Downey found that the mother had attempted to induce her labour whilst high on cocaine.
• The client was granted a CAO.

Kate Hudson was for the LA, Sophie Prolingheuer for M, and Emma Taylor for the Child.