V1, V2, S & H, In the Matter Of (Child Sexual Abuse Allegations: Evolving Accounts and Deficiencies in Achieving Best Evidence Interviews) [2026] EWFC 310 (B) is a significant fact-finding judgment concerning sibling sexual abuse, HHJ Nott KC delivered a damning assessment of flawed ABE interviewing practices, highlighting the importance of allowing vulnerable children to disclose their experiences in their own words and at their own pace.
In this complex fact-finding judgment, HHJ Nott KC considered allegations that two vulnerable sisters had been sexually abused by their older brother, and that their parents had failed to protect them and discouraged disclosure.
The court examined extensive contemporaneous evidence, including safeguarding records and inconsistent or retracted accounts from the children, neither of whom gave oral evidence.
Particular criticism was directed at Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) interviews conducted by Triangle. The judge found that inadequate preparation, leading questions and repeated challenges to earlier disclosures had effectively transformed the interviews into cross-examinations, significantly diminishing their evidential weight.
The court found that both girls had suffered sexual abuse, that their parents knew of the risks and failed to protect them, and that family pressure contributed to serious emotional harm, self-harm and suicidality.
The threshold criteria under section 31(2) Children Act 1989 were established.
Daniel Sheridan and Imogen Pitts were led by Shiva Ancliffe KC of Coram Chambers. They were instructed by RWK Goodman on behalf of the 2nd Respondent father.
