Judge Rules Mother Fabricated Abuse Claims Against Son’s Father

An Oxford Family Court judge has determined that a mother fabricated claims of sexual abuse by her young son’s father, intending to interfere with their bond. The Oxford Family Court was informed that the woman had “actively encouraged” her son to report to school staff that he had been inappropriately touched, describing it as what she claimed his father referred to as a “special little game.” Judge Eleanor Owens characterized the mother’s testimony as “confused, and at times simply confusing.” The man and woman, whose relationship began over ten years ago, are currently separated. Previously, the court was informed that investigations by police and social care concluded after uncovering “no information to suggest any form of sexual assault [had] taken place.” However, a social worker informed staff at the boy’s school that the mother “continued to probe… the situation when there might be nothing there.” Subsequently, the boy informed his school’s safeguarding team that his mother had instructed him to claim he had been abused. The staff member to whom the boy spoke noted that he was his “usual, chirpy self and very confident to share the information,” leading them to conclude he had been instructed by his mother to make the statement. The judge commented that the mother’s written statement to her was “remarkably brief in comparison to her oral evidence and considering the seriousness of the allegations.” Conversely, the mother stated she was “exhausted, a single mother without any help [from the father], overwhelmed and struggling,” and admitted she was “really bad at remembering things.” Judge Owens concluded that the mother “caused emotional harm and risks [the boy’s] sense of identity” due to the disruption in his relationship with his father. She further stated that the mother must now accept the findings regarding her conduct and “really support” the development of a meaningful relationship between the boy and his father. Individuals affected by the issues discussed in this report can seek support from the BBC Action Line. BBC Oxfordshire can be followed on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.