(Family Division, Eleanor King J, 3 April 2012)

The 16-year-old girl made allegations of sexual and physical abuse by her parents. She was removed from their care under an interim care order with orders for no contact and non-disclosure. The parents sought disclosure of the girl’s allegations and other confidential evidence.

The significant risk to the girl was a proper and appropriate consideration and it was necessary to continue the blanket ban non-disclosure order. There was no need for a special advocate to assist on basic disclosure or public interest immunity but it was necessary for the protection of the parents’ rights under the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms 1950 in order to represent their interests.