R v P (Children: Similar Fact Evidence) [2020] EWCA Civ 1088

A father applied for contact with his children aged 5 and 2. The mother objected on the basis that the father had subjected her to very serious coercive and controlling behaviour, including rape. She wanted to reply upon what she argued was similar behaviour by the father towards his subsequent partner and her children. The Judge excluded that evidence and the mother appealed. The appeal was allowed and the proceedings transferred back to the High Court for a finding of fact hearing. The Court of Appeal set out the general approach to be taken to similar fact evidence in civil and family proceedings.