June Venters KC successful for mother in landmark "Joe Donor" sperm donation case

19th May 2025

Last week judgment was handed down in the landmark case of Redcar Cleveland v MA Albon and Anor. The case saw 3PB's family barrister and silk June Venters KC'June Venters KCCall: 2017Silk: 2006s client, a vulnerable mother in public law children proceedings, succeed against the notorious, unregulated sperm donor Robert Albon, better known by his pseudonym "Joe Donor".

Albon, an American national, claims to have fathered over 180 children worldwide through his unregulated sperm donation activities — often carried out via artificial insemination or sexual intercourse, sometimes on the same day he meets women. In this case, he sought parental responsibility and direct contact with a child he fathered. The court, however, found his motives were self-serving, not child-focused. His primary aim was to bolster his UK immigration status.

More alarmingly, the court concluded that Albon preys on vulnerable women — many with mental health issues and unable to afford regulated fertility services. These women are desperate to have children, and Albon exploits that desperation. He ingratiates himself into their lives, sometimes just to secure shelter, using charm and manipulation to conceal his true intentions.

The judge commented that Albon "will seize opportunities from his sperm donor activities to gain rewards — whether through sex, immigration advantages, housing, or personal recognition. His priorities lie elsewhere — not with the welfare of his existing or future children."

Thanks to June Venters KC’s advocacy, the court refused Albon’s application for parental responsibility and direct contact. Instead, he is permitted to send a yearly letter or photo to be kept in a Treasure Box, to be shown to the child when appropriate.

June Venters KCJune Venters KCCall: 2017Silk: 2006 (pictured here) said: “This case exposes a man with little regard for the children he creates or their mothers. He manipulates women under the guise of donating sperm, only to then embed himself in their lives for his own benefit. The day after judgment, he told the press: ‘I have fathered 190 children. It’s my duty to populate the planet, and I don’t care what people say about my methods.’ That, if accurate, says it all. We were only able to shine a light on his actions because of our brave client, who despite her vulnerabilities, was determined to protect other women and children. I’m also deeply grateful to my team — junior counsel Felicity Herdman and instructing solicitor Cally Griffiths at BBNM Law — for their commitment and tireless work.”

To read the full judgment click here.

If you wish to contact June, please email her at [email protected]. To instruct her - or see about her availability - please email her clerks Ian Charlton or Rob Leonard on [email protected] or [email protected] or call either of them on 0330 332 0773.