Kerrie Broughton

Public Law

Kerrie has represented local authorities, children and parents (including teenage parents and those with mental health or learning difficulties, including through the Official Solicitor). She has handled complex proceedings involving non-accidental injury, from long-term ongoing bruising to those involving serious injuries – including shaken-baby syndrome, multiple fractures, and factitious illness syndrome.

She has made applications under the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court. She has dealt with matters involving serious disputed allegations of domestic violence; allegations of sexual abuse (including where children have given evidence); disputed jurisdictional issues; long-term cumulative neglect cases; and inter-country adoption.

Private Law

Kerrie has represented alleged victims, perpetrators and children in cases involving serious allegations of domestic violence and sexual abuse. She has handled proceedings involving allegations of implacable hostility and/or ‘parental alienation syndrome’.

Notable Cases

Re F and G (Children) (Sexual Abuse Allegations) [2022]

Kerrie was led by Kate Burnell KC for the local authority in the Court of Appeal against findings of fact that the appellant sexually abused a small child. The appeal against the recorder’s findings was dismissed whilst the lower court’s reasons were delivered with economy, they were sufficient as to substance. The judgment is available here.

Re F (A Child) [2014] EWCA Civ 789

Guidance to children practitioners on cases involving complex jurisdictional issues.

F (Habitual Residence) [2014] EWFC 26

A decision on the remitted decision on a factually complicated jurisdictional issue where the child was found to be without habitual residence.

F (No 2 Welfare – Approved) [2014] EWFC 34

The welfare disposal hearing on the same case.

• Vulnerable Witness Advocacy Training