John Vater KC, Andrew Leong, Alex Forbes, Stephen Crispin and Oliver Powell in L, M, N, O and P, Re (allegation of sexual abuse by a sibling) [2025] EWFC 382 (B)
4th Dec 2025 | Cases
Alex Forbes was instructed by the applicant local authority, Andrew Leong was instructed by Duncan Lewis solicitors for the father, Stephen Crispin was instructed by Oxford Law Group for children N, O & P and John Vater KC, leading Oliver Powell, was instructed by Reeds for child L in L, M, N, O and P, Re (allegation of sexual abuse by a sibling) [2025] EWFC 382 (B); a fact-finding concerning allegations of sexual abuse made by a child against a sibling.
This case concerned a 9-year-old girl, N, who told her teachers she thought she had been raped while asleep, though she was unsure whether it was real or a dream. She mentioned two incidents but could not identify a perpetrator. The police investigated the father and older brothers and found no evidence of abuse. N was placed in foster care while the local authority pursued Family Court proceedings due to ongoing concerns. After hearing extensive evidence from teachers, foster carers, social workers, police interviews and medical reports, the Court found N had not been raped and likely misinterpreted a dream. The judge found the parents protective, criticised aspects of the local authority’s approach, and ordered N’s safe return home.
