Police
probe mum's custody battle claim
http://www.hertsessexnews.co.uk/news/
Herts
& Essex Observer - 8th December 2005
AN Uttlesford
mum's complaint against Essex County Council's social services is
being investigated by police this week.
A letter
from Assistant Chief Constable Liam Brigginshaw's office confirmed
that details of her allegations about the department's conduct in
relation to custody of and access to her three children have been
received and are being examined.
She alleges
that social workers gave misleading testimony at court hearings
to determine the arrangements during the acrimonious break-up of
her family. The woman is believed to be the latest of seven individuals
or couples across the county to have made such claims.
A spokesman
for the force said the crux of the complaints were "allegations
of misrepresenting evidence in civil proceedings".
The mum
is now facing the prospect of a bleak Christmas, unable to spend
time with her sons who live with their father, her ex-husband.
"It's
just absolutely painful. Every time I see a pushchair or children
in school uniform, it's like a stabbing pain," she said.
She has
set up an organisation called Mothers Against Injustice to publicise
her plight.
Last month,
she took part in a protest outside the Royal Courts of Justice in
the Strand with other parents.
They included
Angela Canning, who was freed from prison last year when an appeal
court overturned her conviction for killing her baby.
The Uttlesford
mum said Ms Can-ning was now supporting her fight.
The allegations
against the council from across the county have prompted an Early
Day Motion from MP Eric Pickles, calling for an end to obstruction
and secrecy in family courts.
Evidence
from other disgruntled parents, including a number in Uttlesford,
is being collated by Braintree campaigner Jack Frost.
A county
council spokesman said: "Essex Police have not been in contact
regarding this matter.
"However,
if they do contact us, we will be sure to co-operate with them fully."
We
were accused of raping little girls 11th July 2004
