Counter-terrorism inquiry couple lose court appealpublished at 15:12 British Summer Time 31 July 2019
Press Association
Statements made by a British couple who are the subject of a counter-terrorism inquiry during family court proceedings are to be handed over to the police, a judge has ruled.
The man and woman, who have links to Leicester, exercised their right to silence when they were arrested after flying into Manchester Airport early this year.
They gave no comment answers to police questions and were released pending further inquiries.
Their two children were placed into temporary council care when they returned to England and Leicester City Council began family court litigation, asking a judge to consider what should happen to the children long-term.
Image source, ReutersPolice want to examine the answers the couple gave when questioned during those separate, private, family court proceedings.
Earlier this year, High Court judge Mr Justice Keehan ruled that statements the man and woman made during family court proceedings should be handed to Leicestershire Police.
The man took his case to the Court of Appeal, where today Sir Andrew McFarlane, Lord Justice Simon and Lady Justice Nicola Davies dismissed his appeal.
Speaking in court today, Sir Andrew said: "Despite the factual circumstances of cases such as this, which I accept are outside the norm, an order for disclosure to the police may nevertheless be justified and, for the reasons given by Mr Justice Keehan, was so justified here."
