Gemma Chapman successful in child head injury case

19th October 2026

3PB Barristers’ (3 Paper Buildings) specialist family law barrister Gemma ChapmanGemma ChapmanCall: 2002 has successfully represented the Respondent in 'Ellana (a child) (Fact-Finding: Head Injury), Re Neutral Citation Number [2026] EWFC 272 (B)'.

Gemma represented the mother of a 15 month old baby who was in her sole care when she sustained both a subdural haemorrhage and spinal subdural haemorrhage. While the medical evidence was strongly in support of this being an abusive shaking injury, it was the mother’s case there had been an unobserved low level fall from standing height that was the cause.

Gemma successfully challenged the local authority’s case to a result that they had not proven their case. No findings were made and the local authority withdrew. This case highlights the importance of the wider canvass material and an example of where a child is an outlier.

To contact or instruct Gemma, please email 3PB’s specialist family clerks on [email protected] or telephone 0330 332 0773.