Social Workers Snatch Baby From Hospital

A two-hour old newborn was illegally snatched at 4am yesterday morning by social workers claiming the 18-year-old mother was unfit to care for the child because of mental health problems.

But hours later a High Court judge ordered the immediate return of the baby, saying the social workers had acted beyond their powers.

Mr Justice Munby said: "On the face of it, what was done was without lawful authority. The professionals involved in this case should know better.

"You cannot remove children, short of immediate murderous intent, except by lawful means, which means either by a police officer or court.

Ian Wise, appearing for the mother, told the court the child was removed after staff at the hospital were shown a "birth plan" prepared by local authority social services.

The plan said the mother, who had a troubled childhood and suffers from mental health problems, was to be separated from the child, and no contact was allowed without supervision by social workers.

The case follows controversial complaints from parents that social workers are breaking up families and putting children up for adoption without good reason, all in the effort to meet bureaucratic targets.

Campaigners welcomed the High Court ruling and praised the mother's lawyers for the actions taken to reunite the baby with its mother.

The mother now faces a legal battle to remain with her child.