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Police probe mum's custody battle claim

'A letter from Assistant Chief Constable Liam Brigginshaw's office confirmed that details of her allegations'

http://www.hertsessexnews.co.uk/news/observer

Hen News - 08 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 Canning 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."