A local authority has failed in a bid to oust a journalist covering a child protection case in the family court.
Buckinghamshire County Council (leader Cllr Martin Tett, left) initially raised no objection to the presence of Stephen Green, National Director of Christian Voice and an accredited journalist, in a case where they were seeking an interim care order.
But during an interval in which District Judge Patrick Perusko met the two children involved, at their request, before reconvening in Milton Keynes Magistrates Court, the Tory-run council’s social workers and advocate together with the court-appointed ‘children’s guardian’ and her solicitor took the opportunity to do an internet search of Christian Voice.
When the court reassembled, Bucks County Council’s advocate, one Mr Dove, objected to Green’s presence, based on blog gossip about the alleged political stance of the prayer and action group. The solicitor for the children’s guardian backed up the plea.
But District Judge Perusko was having none of it. Mr Green, he told the advocates, was entitled to be there. Â If they objected, it had to be on specific grounds listed in a court practice direction. Â It was clear these did not include that the opinions of a journalist were not politically correct.
So long as the children were not identified directly or indirectly, the media were entitled to report on a child protection case. Â The advocates were left looking foolish.
Stephen Green said afterwards, ‘Whilst I am flattered by the attention they have given to a humble reporter and commentator, I do feel Bucks County Council could have spent their time in the interval better, perhaps by going out to buy some toothbrushes for the children in their care.’
Click here for our report of the hearing:Â Social Services tell girls: ‘No Nightie? Wear my Tee-shirt!’
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Why do these apparatchik bureaucrats always appear with big grins all over their faces? One would have thought, given the important work and decisions they have to make, they’d look a little more serious. On the other hand, perhaps they’ve just seen their payslips!
all Common Purpose graduates, I expect
Mark, never forget: Just because you’re paranoid, it does not mean they are not out to get you.
And if they accuse you of being paranoid, all that means is they know that you know they are out to get you.
Mark, never forget: Just because you’re paranoid, it does not mean they are not out to get you.
And if they accuse you of being paranoid, all that means is they know that you know they are out to get you.
haha Stephen! hang on, just heard a siren outside…….
hmmm, haven’t quite got the hang of this “link to this comment” button yet……