High Court judge to investigate how three sisters aged under 10 developed sexually transmitted infection
Appeal judges not satisfied with finding that father may have been responsible
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A High Court investigation has been launched after three sisters aged under 10 tested positive for a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Authorities raised concerns about the siblings’ welfare early last year after the family were evicted from different homes and spent a month in temporary accommodation.
The children were found to have the infections last summer after spending two days in a hotel, two weeks in a caravan in Southend, Essex, and two weeks in a caravan in Lincolnshire.
The case was originally heard at a private family court hearing in London, when it was concluded that the girls' father might have caused the infection.
However, the father appealed against that finding.
Details of the case emerged as a result of three Court of Appeal judges examining the case at a hearing in London in late March.
In a ruling, Lord Justice Peter Jackson, Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Lindblom said they were not satisfied with the family court judge's finding.
The appeal judges were told that the family - who have not been identified - had been known to social workers for nearly a decade.
The family lived in Haringey, then moved to Islington, and were evicted during the summer of 2017.
They found accommodation in Thurrock, Essex, but were evicted again in February last year.
Staff at Thurrock Council then found them temporary accommodation - the hotel and two caravans - and in March they moved back to London to live with friends in Brixton.
A judge in the Family Division of the High Court in London must now take charge and review the case.
The siblings are now the responsibility of Islington Council after being placed in foster care.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments