A 13-year-old boy has taken his family to court, claiming his parents “brutally” abandoned him at a boarding school in Africa.
The boy, who was born in the UK, was enrolled in the school without his knowledge or consent. He was told he was going to care for a sick relative, but his parents left him there and returned to the UK.
The boy’s lawyers claim that his parents physically and emotionally abandoned him due to concerns about his involvement with gangs in London. However, the boy denies any involvement with gangs. His lawyers are asking the court to order his return to the UK, citing clear evidence of emotional, psychological, and possible physical harm.
The boy’s barrister, Deirdre Fottrell KC, described the parents’ actions as “a stark and quite brutal act” and stated that the boy was taken abroad with few of his possessions. She also claimed that the boy received inadequate food and tuition at the school and was being mistreated.
The boy has been described in court as “very polite and articulate” and a keen fan of football and cooking. He has reportedly told the court that he “hates” being in Africa and finds it “humiliating.” He also claimed that his English friends tease him for having been “deported.”
The boy’s mother has accepted physically chastising and abusing her son while he was in the UK. The boy has acknowledged that he was not perfect, but he is “upset, confused, and distressed” by his situation.
On the other hand, the boy’s father claims that the decision to send him to Africa was made to protect him from the risks of gang involvement and to provide him with a better education. The father’s lawyers argue that the boy should remain in Africa, where he can receive high-quality care and education in a safe environment.
The court has heard that social workers had concerns about the boy’s behavior before he was sent to Africa, including frequent lateness to class, staying out late, and suspicions of involvement in criminal activities. The boy’s school had also reported concerns about his social vulnerability and susceptibility to grooming.
The boy’s father claims that these concerns led him to believe that his son was at risk of being involved in gang activity and that sending him to Africa was the best decision to protect him. However, the boy’s lawyers argue that this decision was made without consulting the boy or considering his wishes.
The court hearing is ongoing, with the judge, Mr. Justice Hayden, acknowledging the complexity of the case and the need to balance the boy’s wishes with his best interests.
What are your thoughts about the parents’ actions and possible court’s decision?
An Investment in Education 