Analysis
77.The local authority’s allegations are detailed and the schedule of those allegations contains over one hundred and eighty paragraphs. Despite concerted efforts by its legal team, the local authority has been unable to reduce the number of these allegations and argues that each of the allegations form an important and integral part of this case. As the lead expert in these proceedings, Dr Rose warned against what he termed “bacon slicing” the evidence and expressed a strong view that the case must be considered with the totality of the evidence in mind. I respectfully agree. Several authorities spanning many years have made it clear that the court must weigh each piece of evidence and consider it in the context of the wider evidential canvass or the totality of the evidence that is before the court. This approach does require the court to analyse the constituent parts of the wider canvass. To do otherwise, would be a fundamentally flawed approach.78.In June 2021 A was made the subject of a final care order. The agreed ‘threshold’ findings included the following;As at 16 July 2020[A] has not received the care that would be reasonable to expect to receive