A Norfolk couple who fled the country in a bid to stop their son being taken by
social services will find out this week whether he can stay with them
permanently.
Nicky and Mark Webster, formerly known as the Hardinghams, went to Ireland last
year while Mrs Webster was pregnant with Brandon because they feared Norfolk
County Council would not let them keep their baby after their three other
children were adopted in 2003 over abuse allegations.
Social workers stepped in when one of the children suffered an unexplained
fracture which they said was caused by abuse but which the Webster's have
maintained was the result of a hereditary brittle bone disease.
When the family returned to England they spent five months under scrutiny in a
care facility before being allowed to take Brandon home. On Monday, they will
appear at the Royal Courts of Justice for a final hearing to decide Brandon's
fate. Today Mr Webster, from Cromer, said: “My hope is that we will walk out
with Brandon and that is the end of it, but you never know what can happen. Over
the last year Nicky and I have really bonded with Brandon. We have always known
we are good parents and have nothing to prove but we hope social services are
satisfied enough to let Brandon stay with us. This is where he belongs.”
Baby
Brandon allowed home
November 5, 2006
The Mail on
Sunday
While the couple have been at home with their son they have been under
supervision from social services with three to four lengthy visits a week from a
social worker. Although the hope to keep Brandon they have no plans to get their
other children back.
“To us adoption is adoption and there is nothing we can do about it,” Mr Webster
said. “We would love to see our other children but we know there is no chance of
that.
“This time we hope we have been judged properly and have proved our worth as
parents. Then we can go back to a normal life with Brandon.”
The couple's ordeal began in October 2003 when their second child sustained leg
fractures which the Websters said were the result of hereditary brittle bone
disease.
Although neither of their other children had suffered any injury, Norfolk Social
Services took all three youngsters into care.
In 2005, following a summary family court hearing, the decision was taken to
have all three children permanently adopted.
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Related:
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