In each case the local authority involved in care proceedings sought to disclose to others (another authority and the football league), information which had come to light regarding sexual improprieties of the parties to the cases. It was inappropriate to allow the disclosure of the identity of a person found to have committed sexual abuse, in the context of child care proceedings, without a pressing need. Here there was no statutory duty on local authority to disclose, and no continuing investigation.
Butler-Sloss LJ: ‘Although the facts in the [AB] case are entirely different from those in the present appeals, the caution urged by the Master of the Rolls that ‘disclosure should only be made when there is a pressing need’ is of general application . . ‘
Judges:
Butler-Sloss LJ
Citations:
Times 09-Oct-1998, Gazette 25-Nov-1998, [1999] 1 WLR 299, [1998] EWCA Civ 1502, [1999] 1 FLR 267
Links:
Jurisdiction:
England and Wales
Citing:
Appeal from – In Re L (Minors) (Sexual Abuse: Disclosure) FD 9-Oct-1997
A judge sitting in a children case has a discretion to order the passing of information about child sex abuse to non-parties, including in this case a different local authority in whose area the father lived. . .
Cited by:
Appealed to – In Re L (Minors) (Sexual Abuse: Disclosure) FD 9-Oct-1997
A judge sitting in a children case has a discretion to order the passing of information about child sex abuse to non-parties, including in this case a different local authority in whose area the father lived. . .
Cited – Dr D, Regina (on the Application of) v Secretary of State for Health CA 19-Jul-2006
The doctor complained of the use of Alert letters where he was suspected of sexual abuse of patients, but the allegations were unsubstantiated. He complained particularly that he had been acquitted in a criminal court and then also by the . .
Lists of cited by and citing cases may be incomplete.
Local Government, Children, Litigation Practice
Updated: 25 November 2022; Ref: scu.144981