Simon has specialised in children law for more than 20 years. He appears regularly for a number of local authorities, as well as parents and children’s guardians in cases have relating to complex medical issues including bruising, fractures (vitamin D), head injuries, sexual abuse, factitious illness, and the death of children.
In addition, he has also provided representation on cases involving domestic violence, chronic neglect, drugs and/or alcohol abuse, learning disabilities and mental health issues.
Simon has also undertaken pro bono cases.
Notable Public Law Children cases
A County Council v M [2021] EWFC 35Order of Judd J authorising a local authority to proceed with an adoption favoured by the parents without first assessing the paternal grandmother as a potential carer.
Re M (Deprivation of Liberty in Scotland) [2019] EWHC 1510 (Fam)
An important case which examined the approach to be taken when an English child is accommodated under an interim care order in a placement in Scotland that has not been approved by the Scottish Ministers for the provision of secure accommodation and is subject to deprivation of liberty orders.
Re S [2013] EWHC 15; [2013] All ER (D) 187Fact-finding. Acting for the children. Mother and Father represented by QCs. Maternal grandparents representing themselves.
A Local Authority v W & B March [2011] High Court Family DivisionThree-week fact-finding hearing into serious head and brain injuries to a six-month-old baby at the hands of the mother and/or father.