In a recent case involving allegations of child abuse, the Court of Appeal upheld the original findings, rejecting the appeals by the mother, NK, and stepfather, KK, of the child, A. The case, which featured legal professionals Mark Twomey KC, Victoria Roberts, and Joanna Youll from Coram Chambers, centred on the credibility of the allegations made by A against KK and the failure of NK to protect A.
The court’s original ruling found KK guilty of sexual abuse and NK guilty of failing to protect A. Despite A’s multiple retractions of the allegations, the court emphasized the seriousness of the accusations and the comprehensive assessment of witness credibility carried out by the trial judge.
The appeal argued that the trial judge had improperly handled the assessment of credibility and evidence. However, the Court of Appeal upheld the original findings, highlighting the procedural standards followed and the judge’s thorough review of the case.
This judgment serves as a reminder of the need for proper procedural conduct in child abuse cases and underscores the importance of a comprehensive assessment of witness credibility in such sensitive matters.
To see the full publication of the case, please go here.
