Open Letter to HHJ Cryan following recusal in MP Case
I understand you recused yourself in a case relating to the Caroline Nokes MP and my family recently, citing my conduct at a Fathers4Justice protest in 2003, which caused you and Justice Bracewell some distress.
Firstly, can I say that I respect your decision to recuse yourself.
It was the correct and honourable decision to make. It is a shame that other judges involved in cases involving myself and my family do not follow your lead. It seems impossible for us to secure a fair, impartial hearing anywhere in the legal system.
It transpired that the recorder who replaced you, was also a family law barrister who has a commercial relationship with solicitors acting for Ms Nokes, which she failed to declare.
Regarding the 2003 protest, I apologise if I caused distress to you and others. It has never been our intention to cause distress. Our earlier protests had been marked with good humour, though a little disruption is inevitable during any protest.
If I recall correctly, we staged an occupation of the building, before leaving when asked to do so, and the protest was entirely peaceful and no arrests were made.
I would point out to you that the cause of these protests are the distress and abuse visited upon tens of thousands of children and families, who have been forcibly separated in our secret family courts.
Setting aside the fact that secret courts are an affront in a modern democracy and that the failure of courts to enforce their own orders makes a mockery of our idea of justice, the judiciary are surely familiar with the principle of cause and effect.
I have known and lost many good parents and grandparents, denied a right to see their children and grandchildren by these courts before their passing.
One peaceful protest barely compares against the suffering of these families.
One day I hope those responsible for the suffering of these families will be held to account for their actions.
Yours sincerely
Matt O’Connor
Founder Fathers4Justice
