Dr Martina van der Leij represented the paternal grandparents who were granted a special guardianship order for their 6-month-old grandson. Previously they had been included in the list of possible perpetrators of serious injuries inflicted on the baby.
Background to the care proceedings
The local authority brought care proceedings after all the baby’s limbs were fractured, he had a black eye and there were indications that he may have been sexually abused.
The case involved:
- 26,000 pages of police and telephone disclosure
- intensive pre-hearing enquiry of a range of experts about the sexual abuse allegation and advice for further testing.
At the end of the 14-day fact finding hearing, in April 2024 no findings were made against Martina’s clients and she successfully persuaded the court that they should undergo further assessment as long-term carers.
In September 2024 a special guardianship order was made in their favour for the child.