Today Mr. Justice Kerr granted leave to apply for Judicial Review to the Holy Cross Parent challenging the failure of the police and the Secretary of State to protect the children. The parent taking the case was granted anonymity by the court; anonymity had been applied for to protect not only the parent’s life but also the life of her child.

The police and Secretary of State now have 3 weeks to file their defence to the case lodged by the parent. The case will then be reviewed by the Court to assess its readiness for final hearing.
The solicitor representing the parent said:
“We hope that this case can be heard as quickly as possible so that the children no longer have to endure this suffering and appalling treatment. The best Christmas present for these children will be to go to school like every other child in Northern Ireland.”