Father Banned After 760+ Abusive Emails in Care Case

by Ridley & Hall in Child Care posted May 28, 2025.

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In a highly unusual judgment handed down by the High Court in March 2024, a father who repeatedly disrupted family court proceedings has been banned from making any further applications about his 12-year-old child without permission from a High Court judge.

This landmark ruling from Mr Justice Cobb, sitting in Sheffield, highlights how the courts are prepared to step in when a parent’s behaviour becomes harmful to a child’s welfare — and overwhelming for court staff and professionals involved in the case.

Link to full Judgment.

What Happened?

The case involves Barnsley Council and a 12-year-old child, referred to as T, who is now subject to a full Care Order with significant findings made in the substantive care proceedings necessitating T’s placement in foster care after a lengthy final hearing involving over 20 witnesses giving evidence to the Court.

Since 2022, T’s father — known in the judgment as EM — has made dozens of abusive, threatening and unfounded legal applications, refusing to accept the Court’s decision to remove the child from his care.

760+ Emails and Repeated Threats

Between September 2023 and February 2024 alone, the father sent at least 760 emails to the court, many containing aggressive or threatening language. Court staff described the messages as exhausting, disruptive, and harmful to their wellbeing. These emails extended to professionals involved in the substantive care proceedings including the legal representatives for all parties involved.

Some emails included disturbing accusations, offensive rants, and even TikTok conspiracy videos about children in care.

“I am deeply sorry that the hard-pressed and greatly valued court staff… have been subjected over a prolonged period to the wholly unwarranted interference… and the appalling invective,” said Justice Cobb.

What Orders Were Made?

Justice Cobb made three key legal orders to protect the child, the professionals, and the court process:

Section 91(14) Order – the father is banned from making further family court applications (e.g. about contact or discharge of the care order) unless a judge gives permission. This order will stay in place until the child turns 16.
Extended Civil Restraint Order (ECRO) – the father cannot issue any new court applications related to the case in any court (Family, High Court, County Court) without permission from a judge. This will last for two years.
Injunction – the father is banned from emailing or phoning the court. Any communication must now be sent by post — and abusive letters may be destroyed without reply.

These measures were taken to stop the ongoing harassment of court staff and to protect the emotional wellbeing of T, whose placement has already broken down due to instability.

Riley & Hall’s Solicitor Kim Noble Acted Pro Bono for the Mother

In an important note, Kim Noble, solicitor-advocate at Ridley & Hall, acted pro bono (free of charge) for T’s mother during this complex and emotionally charged hearing. Kim Noble had represented the mother throughout the difficult substantive care proceedings with numerous hearings and applications filed by T’s father.

Kim Noble’s support ensured that T’s mother had a voice during proceedings where serious and ongoing allegations were being made, and contributed to the court reaching a fair and balanced outcome to protect T, T’s mother and the various professionals involved in the case

Why This Case Matters

This judgment sends a strong message:
The family courts will not tolerate harassment, threats or repeated, baseless legal applications — especially when they harm children or delay justice.

If you’re a parent struggling with a care case, the right course is legal advice and meaningful engagement — not endless court filings or personal attacks on professionals.

Facing Social Services or Care Proceedings?

If you or someone you know is involved in care proceedings or has been contacted by social services, early legal advice is vital. At Ridley & Hall, our experienced family lawyers can: