Judge is praised for communicating with children

"A judge has been praised after taking the unusual step of writing to children involved in a custody battle about her decision."

"Sheriff Aisha Anwar had been charged with making the decision as to whether a father could have access to his children, who had told a specialist they no longer wanted to see him."

"The case at Glasgow sheriff court ruled that he should remain in contact so the sheriff wrote to the children explaining why."

"She said: `I think that as my decision is all about you, it is only fair that I should write to you. I have not met you, but I have heard a lot about you`."

"`I know, from what your mum (and the specialist) have told me, you don`t want to see your dad. I can understand that. Your dad`s job is to care for you, protect you, love you, help you, make good plans for you and to know what is right for you. Sometimes, he has not been very good at that`."

"Sheriff Anwar went on to explain having spoken to their father, she believes he is not a bad parent but instead does not know how to act sometimes. In the letter she explained both parents would receive help to build a better relationship and work on their behaviour. Sheriff Anwar added: `I don`t think that it is good for you to grow up thinking you have a bad dad. I don`t think that it is good for you to forget all the good times`."

"`I think that it is better for you to get to know your dad again and to give him a chance to make things better`."

"The move was praised by family law specialists. Janys Scott, QC, Chair of the Faculty of Advocates` Family Law Association said: `This is the Scottish courts at their best. It would be great were this the pattern for future cases`."

[Metro: 23 August 2017]