Court quashes decision to investigate alleged historic child sex abuse case

The case arose out of alleged incidents in the summer of 1969 when the complainant was a nine- or 10-year-old boy.

Mr Justice Simons said the incorrect standard of proof was applied in the Child and Family Agency's subsequent investigation. File photo

A Child and Family Agency (CFA) decision to investigate historic child sex abuse allegations against a man in his 60s has been quashed by the High Court.

However, Mr Justice Garrett Simons said while the CFA retains a discretion to investigate the complaint further, it is not under an obligation to do so. The power to investigate historical abuse and to make findings which can be published to an alleged abuser's family and employer "must be exercised in a reasonable and proportionate manner", he said.