Menu
03/12/2004
Blunkett wins right to proceed with access case
Home Secretary David Blunkett has won the first round of a High Court battle regarding access to his former lover's son.
Kimberly Quinn had been attempting to delay proceedings with an appeal to the High Court for an adjournment. It also emerged today that she is contesting Mr Blunkett's claim that he is the father of her two-year-old son.
At the High Court today in a public decision the Judge, Mr Justice Ryder, backed Mr Blunkett's right to a rapid decision in the interest of his relationship with the boy who was named in court as "A". Mrs Quinn had been seeking the adjournment and had appealed the decision of a lower court to proceed with the case. She contested that due to complications with her 28-week pregnancy and her state of mental health meant she could not get a fair hearing.
But following the rejection of her appeal, the family case will now be resumed in private and the judge appealed for respect to privacy for the family and the boy who was not named in the court ruling.
The Mr Justice Ryder condemned some of the speculation surrounding the case, but confirmed that Mrs Quinn had not sought to establish paternity of the boy, but only moved to seek an adjournment. He also stated that while Mr Blunkett had applied for a parental responsibility order and a contact order, he had neither sought a custody order nor asked for DNA testing.
A spokesperson for Mr Blunkett said that the case was all about the two-year old boy and confirmed that it was Mr Blunkett's belief that he was the boy's father.
Mr Blunkett has continued to work in his capacity as Home Secretary and was attending to constituency business today.
Mrs Quinn was seeking a five-month adjournment because her health was at risk. However, after today's seven-page High Court ruling, which rejected the appeal by Mrs Quinn, the case may proceed without a delay.
(SP/MB)
Kimberly Quinn had been attempting to delay proceedings with an appeal to the High Court for an adjournment. It also emerged today that she is contesting Mr Blunkett's claim that he is the father of her two-year-old son.
At the High Court today in a public decision the Judge, Mr Justice Ryder, backed Mr Blunkett's right to a rapid decision in the interest of his relationship with the boy who was named in court as "A". Mrs Quinn had been seeking the adjournment and had appealed the decision of a lower court to proceed with the case. She contested that due to complications with her 28-week pregnancy and her state of mental health meant she could not get a fair hearing.
But following the rejection of her appeal, the family case will now be resumed in private and the judge appealed for respect to privacy for the family and the boy who was not named in the court ruling.
The Mr Justice Ryder condemned some of the speculation surrounding the case, but confirmed that Mrs Quinn had not sought to establish paternity of the boy, but only moved to seek an adjournment. He also stated that while Mr Blunkett had applied for a parental responsibility order and a contact order, he had neither sought a custody order nor asked for DNA testing.
A spokesperson for Mr Blunkett said that the case was all about the two-year old boy and confirmed that it was Mr Blunkett's belief that he was the boy's father.
Mr Blunkett has continued to work in his capacity as Home Secretary and was attending to constituency business today.
Mrs Quinn was seeking a five-month adjournment because her health was at risk. However, after today's seven-page High Court ruling, which rejected the appeal by Mrs Quinn, the case may proceed without a delay.
(SP/MB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 August 2004
Eight men charged with terror offences
Eight men have been charged with terrorism-related offences, the BBC has reported today. All eight are expected to appear before Bow Street Magistrates Court tomorrow and will face charges including conspiracy to commit murder. A ninth man who was also being held has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.
Eight men charged with terror offences
Eight men have been charged with terrorism-related offences, the BBC has reported today. All eight are expected to appear before Bow Street Magistrates Court tomorrow and will face charges including conspiracy to commit murder. A ninth man who was also being held has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.
25 October 2004
Child sex juries to hear of certain previous convictions
In a major shake-up of criminal trial procedure, previous convictions will be revealed to juries in child sex cases, the Home Office has announced today. Under an order laid before Parliament today, people convicted of child sex or theft offences can expect to have their record revealed in court if they are charged again with similar offences.
Child sex juries to hear of certain previous convictions
In a major shake-up of criminal trial procedure, previous convictions will be revealed to juries in child sex cases, the Home Office has announced today. Under an order laid before Parliament today, people convicted of child sex or theft offences can expect to have their record revealed in court if they are charged again with similar offences.
10 February 2004
Volunteers 'crucial' to successful London Olympics
Volunteers could play a crucial role if the 2012 Olympics were held in London, Home Secretary David Blunkett said today. Around 10,000 volunteers aged from 16 to 87 were essential to the success of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester two years ago, and more than 60,000 helped out at the Sydney 2000 Games.
Volunteers 'crucial' to successful London Olympics
Volunteers could play a crucial role if the 2012 Olympics were held in London, Home Secretary David Blunkett said today. Around 10,000 volunteers aged from 16 to 87 were essential to the success of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester two years ago, and more than 60,000 helped out at the Sydney 2000 Games.
11 September 2003
Pioneering crime-busting centre to be opened in Liverpool
Liverpool is to be the location for Britain's first American-style community justice centre, Home Secretary David Blunkett has announced. The announcement came during a fact-finding visit to Merseyside by the Home Office ministerial team and senior Home Office Board members.
Pioneering crime-busting centre to be opened in Liverpool
Liverpool is to be the location for Britain's first American-style community justice centre, Home Secretary David Blunkett has announced. The announcement came during a fact-finding visit to Merseyside by the Home Office ministerial team and senior Home Office Board members.
05 June 2003
Blunkett holds 'constructive' talks with Afghan President
The Home Secretary held what has been described as a "constructive" meeting with Afghan president Hamid Karzai in London today. David Blunkett said that the pair focused on the issue of asylum seekers and he hailed the "helpful cooperation" of the Afghan government on the issue. Mr Karzai is expected to meet with the Prime Minister later today.
Blunkett holds 'constructive' talks with Afghan President
The Home Secretary held what has been described as a "constructive" meeting with Afghan president Hamid Karzai in London today. David Blunkett said that the pair focused on the issue of asylum seekers and he hailed the "helpful cooperation" of the Afghan government on the issue. Mr Karzai is expected to meet with the Prime Minister later today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
