[2024] UKUT 159 (AAC)

DJB attended the hearing, presented both arguments and evidence, and was cross examined on the latter by Ms Hartley, who also made submissions on behalf of DBS.

The hearing had originally been listed to be “face to face” in London; however, it came to light about a week before the hearing date that the Upper Tribunal would be unable, for logistical reasons, to convene a panel to sit in person in London (but could convene a panel to sit “remotely”). The tribunal therefore proposed to the parties that, in order not to “lose” the hearing date, the mode of hearing be changed to CVP video hearing. Neither party objected to this course and so the hearing went ahead in that way. We were satisfied that all participants in the hearing, including the panel, were able to see and hear the proceedings to the standard necessary for a fair hearing.