Here's the text of the letter the GOS has sent to his local MP about Mark and Nicky Hardingham. If anyone wants to copy it, feel free …
Today's date
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx MP
House of Commons
London SW1A 0AA
Dear Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx,
You are no doubt aware of the dreadful case of Mark and Nicky Hardingham from Cromer, Norfolk. Accused of abusing their child, under circumstances that must raise serious doubt in any reasonable mind, they have had all three children taken from them by the Family Court. The children have been sent for adoption, so are permanently lost to them. Now a fourth, newly-born child appears to be under threat as well. The police decided to bring no charges, but the Family Court and Norfolk Children's Services don't need proof, it seems!
There has been a great deal of media attention, and a campaign by friends and well-wishers. However a Reporting Restriction Order has now been put in place to enable the Court and Norfolk Children's Services to continue their work in secrecy.
It seems obvious to me that a change in the operation of the Family Court must come in time. I hope very much that this will include lifting the veil of secrecy the Court currently enjoys, and tightening the rules so that it must make its judgements on the basis of "beyond reasonable doubt" instead of probability. This will come too late for the family that has been ripped apart, and for the poor children whose lives have been shattered for no fault of their own. In their righteous zeal to prevent harm coming to even a single child, the authorities are happy to inflict damage on whole families that would, perpetrated by anyone else, be condemned as grossly abusive.
It is hard to see how this situation can be easily remedied. Adoption is irrevocable, and I imagine the Family Court cannot be compelled to reverse any decision. However, I do urge you to use any influence you can, on anyone who can be influenced, to bring the Hardinghams' ordeal to an end and to make sure that this cruel persecution can never be visited on a family again.
Yours sincerely,
One of our guests, L*** P******, emailed Lisa Christensen at Norfolk County Council, and received the following reply:
Thank you for your email. An injunction - agreed by all parties in this case - prevents us from commenting on this matter in any way, at this time.
Dan Pritchard
Communications Officer
Norfolk County Council
L*** says "Interesting reply. Agreed by all parties?!!!"
The GOS says: Well, it might have been, or it might not. But how the hell would we know? Very convenient - for Norfolk County Council!
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