Decision in Mr G case due tomorrow

Judge Liam McKechnie has today deferred the announcement of his decision in a landmark child custody case until 11am tomorrow.

“It is essential that all parties be given the opportunity to attend from England and elsewhere, and that they are present when the judgement is read,” said Judge McKechnie in the High Court today.

The case involves unmarried father “Mr G”, who is seeking to have his children returned to the state and his care after his then partner of three and a half years left their midlands home on New Year’s Eve 2006 and subsequently moved abroad with the children.

As Mr G was not married at the time the children were taken, in law he has no rights whatsoever when it comes to his children.

This case is the first of its kind to test whether that position is flawed constitutionally.