FD25P00067 - [2025] EWHC 2572 (Fam)

Fecha: 09-Oct-2025

M’s case

M’s case

23.

M says she was subjected to controlling and abusive behaviour by F, which I summarise as follows:

He controlled her by limiting her work schedule, restricting her contact with family and friends, and restricting her movements, including refusing to let her travel to England even when her grandmother was very ill. He refused to let O travel to see M’s family in England.

ii)

He would have angry outbursts, without warning, which increased in frequency and severity over time, and particularly in the latter stages when M said she wanted a divorce. He would shout at M, call M names, threaten to kill her, threaten to divorce her and threaten to kick her out of the family home. These episodes on occasion took place in front of O.

iii)

He was physically violent to M; pushing her onto the sofa or floor, pulling her hair, and strangling her. The last incident before she left Thailand was in September 2023 when F struck her in the chest while she held O (which she reported to the police a few weeks after the event, and for which she produces some photographic evidence); this was, according to M, the tipping point when she decided to leave.

iv)

He would at times be aggressive towards O, or speak to him inappropriately leaving O distressed and reluctant to interact with F.

When in Thailand, she became increasingly isolated, distressed and fearful. Her sleeping and eating patterns were affected.

vi)

She left Thailand because of fear for her safety and that of O. She did so secretly because of fear as to how F might react.

24.

M says that she and O are settled in England. They have built a new life. They are surrounded by M’s family. O is thriving, doing well at nursery school and integrated in the community. The court proceedings have provoked flashbacks and episodes of anxiety for her. M is supported by a charity for victims of domestic abuse. Her GP has prescribed Sertraline, and she has been referred to a mental health nurse.

25.

If an order were to be made for O to return to Thailand, M would accompany him but would fear for her own safety and for O’s wellbeing. She says that she does not have a work permit, so could not earn an income. She has limited visa rights in Thailand.