*Re J (a child) (private law proceedings: fact finding)

Family proceedings – Evidence. Allegations of sexual abuse had been made against a father by his niece. Her evidence was given in private law proceedings via a video link. The judge concluded after the fact finding hearing that the alleged abuse had taken place. The Court of Appeal, Civil Division, held that the judge had erred in a number of respects, including in the weight that had been given to the niece's evidence and the firm conclusions that she had drawn without evidential foundation, and allowed the father's appeal.