Suspended jail term for man who abused adoption social worker

A man who was abusive to a social services manager after his son was placed for adoption has been given a suspended jail term.

Kaine Hancock was given a six-month term suspended for 15 months when a judge ruled that he was in contempt of court at a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court

Judge Sir James Munby concluded that Hancock had breached an order made by another judge which barred him from abusing staff at a local authority – and from making detail of the little boy’s case public.

Little personal detail about Hancock emerged at today’s hearing in London.

But Sir James was told that another family court judge had placed the little boy for adoption two years ago.

And he said the local authority with responsibility for the youngster’s welfare was Suffolk County Council.

Lawyers representing Suffolk council said Hancock had been abusive to a social services manager at the end of an earlier court hearing.

They said he had also posted a link on a Facebook page which gave access to detail of the little boy’s case.

Sir James, President of the Family Division of the High Court – and the most senior family court judge in England and Wales – said he could understand Hancock’s “strong” and “passionate” feelings.

And he said most parents would understand. But he said such feelings could not “mitigate” Hancock’s behaviour.

He said people had to obey the law and obey court orders. The judge was told that Hancock had apologised.

Sir James heard evidence at a public hearing. He said Hancock could be named even though there might be a risk of the little boy being identified.

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