[2025] UKUT 069 (AAC)

DGW attended the hearing, as did Mr Fisher representing DBS. We are grateful to them both, for presenting their respective arguments.

DGW, representing himself, also gave evidence at the hearing, including via cross examination and answering questions from the panel.

The “permission” hearing was held on the cloud video platform; the case management directions that followed gave the parties the opportunity to express a preference as between “video” and “face to face” in Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter or London for the substantive hearing (the context being that DGW lived in Bristol); DGW expressed a preference for “video”, based in part on his child-minding responsibilities; DBS had no preference as between “video” and “face to face”. A “video” hearing was listed; and the panel (who were all located in the Rolls Building, London, for the hearing) was satisfied that, in the event, DGW participated in the hearing fully, fairly and justly.