Bristol City Council v CC & Ors [2026] EWCOP 4 (T3)

Judgment following a closed hearing concerning closed evidence where CC had a history of gang involvement and there was a risk of harm to him and the professionals involved in the proceedings

The proceedings started in early 2024 when the Bristol City Council made an application for welfare orders regarding CC's residence, care and deprivation of liberty. CC has a very long standing history of serious violent and aggressive behaviour, including gang affiliation, weapon use and extensive involvement with the police and the criminal courts. In April 2025 Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust ) and NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB made an application to close material from his mother and sister (DD) as, if disclosed, there was a risk of harm to CC and others (particularly professionals working with CC).

In a closed hearing before Theis J, the Vice-President, the issue had been whittled down to whether two exhibits should remain in the bundle, as possibly they were no longer relevant, and whether there should be any redaction. She concludes at [24] the documents should remain as they were a relevant part the history of the proceedings and that redactions should be made as if not done the police's interest in maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive policing intelligence, intelligence gathering processes and the wider public interest in maintaining the confidentiality of such information could be harmed. She also states at [28]

"…this case has provided an important reminder of the need to adhere to the Guidance when considering whether an application should be made for a closed hearing/material. Prior to any such application being made there must be careful analysis of the legal and evidential basis upon which the court is being asked to order such a hearing, and for any material to be withheld in accordance with the principles so clearly set out in the Guidance."

Read the judgment on Bailii