Mother wins access to files in custody battle over disabled son

A Plymouth mother has won access to documents she says may help
her win back custody of her brain damaged and emotionally disturbed
son.

She lost custody of him nearly four years ago after he was taken
into the guardianship of Plymouth council at the age of 24.

Since then she has been seeking access to medical reports and
recommendations on which the guardianship order was based, as well
as his social services files.

Appeal court judges upheld her judicial review challenge and
Lady Justice Hale ordered the council to disclose the documents to
the mother and her advisers.

Plymouth council said the decision is specific to this
particular case, but that it will be looking to see if there are
any implications for other cases. The council said the decision
only gives access to specific pieces of information, not to all
files.