Applications to reconsider capacity rulings in relation to the P, particularly in relation to sexual relations and contraception and to review the best interests provisions in the light of any change that the court may make to the declarations.

The property and affairs deputy for the P was seeking authority for buccal cell samples to be taken from the P for the purposes of DNA testing to establish whether or not he was the father of each or any of three individuals. The application was granted.

The issue in this appeal was whether it is within the scope of parental responsibility to consent to living arrangements for a 16 or 17-year-old child which would otherwise amount to a deprivation of liberty within the meaning of article 5 of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), in particular where the child lacks the mental capacity to make the decision for himself.

​For the purposes of determining the fundamental capacity of an individual in relation to sexual relations, the information relevant to the decision for the purposes of section 3(1) of the MCA 2005 does not include information that, absent consent of a sexual partner, attempting sexual relations with another person is liable to breach the criminal law.

The P suffers from what is referred to as 'general global learning difficulty' and 'an impairment' in relation to her facility to communicate with others. She has been, at least historically, assisted by using the Makaton sign language. Her sentences are limited. She has been married to her husband for nearly 30 years and they have a 20 year old daughter. The question before the court was whether or not she had capacity to consent to sexual relations.

The judgment is important in that the question of whether the test for capacity to consent to sexual relationships is general and issue specific, rather than person or event specific was discussed in detail.

Read the full text of the judgment on Bailii

Declaration that the P, who was pregnant, should have a termination was set aside.

P appeal against a range of orders relating to her use of social media and consent to sexual relations. LA's cross-appeal against a decision that the P had capacity to decide on where she lived. Appeal dismissed, cross-appeal allowed.

Judgment was reserved in a case where the question was whether the P ​has the capacity to consent to sexual relations.

Application to prevent publication of a video of a patient, P, in her treating hospital. The application was granted.

Guidance has been given on the taking of samples from a person who does not have the capacity to consent.