ABSTRACT
Mr Terence Boyle formed a close bond over the years with his sister’s son C. Following an application by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, C was removed from the care of his mother under a Place of Safety Order on 2 February 1989 on suspicion that he had been sexually abused by her. The Juvenile Court made a full care order on behalf of the local authority; during proceedings the applicant was described as having been ‘a good father figure’ to C. His requests for access to C throughout C’s placement in care were restricted. He complained that the refusal by the local authority to allow him access to his nephew in care and of the absence of any possibility of applying to the courts for access infringed his right to respect for family life. Comm found by majority (14-4) V 8.
