P (Children) (Recusal Application), Re

Facts

The proceedings concern private law applications about the arrangements for two children, who have been the subject of ongoing litigation since January 2025. The father acted in person; the mother was represented by Ms Harrison. A fact-finding hearing was conducted by District Judge Blackmore, occupying multiple days over a lengthy period, at which evidence was heard from the mother, the father, the school Safeguarding Liaison Officer, the maternal aunt and the maternal grandmother, alongside extensive documentary, audio and video material. Steps taken to secure procedural fairness included the appointment of a qualified legal representative to cross-examine on the father's behalf, the discharge and replacement of that representative when they became unwell, adjournments, permission for the father to provide questions and make submissions, and special measures for vulnerable witnesses. The reserved fact-finding judgment was delivered on 16 February 2026 and included findings of alienating behaviours; the father did not seek permission to appeal. At a hearing on 15 May the father applied at the door of the court for the judge's recusal, which was refused, and directions were made recording that the mother was not required to give evidence. Three working days before the final hearing the father renewed the recusal application and applied for the mother to be called to give oral evidence, both determined as preliminary matters on day one of the final hearing.