Social worker who won anonymity in child abuse case to go to European Court

A social worker who was criticised by a family court judge investigating child sex abuse allegations is set to take her case to the European Court of Human Rights after winning a fight to remain anonymous.

Judge Gavyn Arthur had been asked to make decisions about the truth of sex abuse allegations made by a girl. He dismissed the allegations, after analysing the case at a private family court hearing, but criticised the social worker involved. He said he would name her in a published ruling on the case.

But the woman said his decision was unfair and took her case to the Court of Appeal.

Three appeal judges ruled in her favour, following a hearing in London, and said she should remain anonymous. They said any ruling by Judge Arthur, who has died since overseeing the case, should not include her name.

Lawyers representing the woman now say she is planning to make a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France (pictured).

They say she was suspended from work as a result of Judge Arthur’s decision to publish her name. They say her health and reputation suffered and have indicated that she will ask European judges to rule that her right to respect for family life was breached.

Detail of the social worker’s plan has emerged after her lawyers asked a senior judge for permission to use documents generated during the family court case when bringing her human rights claims.

Sir James Munby, the President of the Family Division of the High Court, and the most senior family court judge in England and Wales, has given permission and outlined the social worker’s complaints and proposals in a ruling.

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