header-logo header-logo

Home Login E-newsletter About us
20 October 2023 / Rona Epstein , Dr Hugh Williams
Issue: 8045 / Categories: Features , Criminal
printer mail-detail

Sentencing mothers & the rights of the child

© Copyright LexisNexis 2026. All Rights Reserved.
143303
Rona Epstein & Hugh Williams report on the background & history of sentencing a parent of dependent children
  • Carla Foster was sent to prison for obtaining a miscarriage, but the Court of Appeal suspended the sentence.
  • Covers circumstances where a sentence should be suspended, the rights of the child when sentencing parents, and what advocates, magistrates and judges should know.

On 12 June 2023, Carla Foster was sentenced by Mr Justice Pepperall to an immediate term of 28 months’ imprisonment for procuring an abortion, contrary to the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 (s 58). Foster had pleaded guilty to this charge as an alternative to an original charge of child destruction. The abortion took place in May 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when she was 32 to 34 weeks’ pregnant, past the 24-week point where the abortion would have been legal. Foster’s sentence was appealed, coming before the Court of Appeal Criminal Division before Dame Victoria Sharp, Lord Justice Holdroyde

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Read All
Sponsored by
NLJ Career Profile: Ken Fowlie, Stowe Family Law

NLJ Career Profile: Ken Fowlie, Stowe Family Law

Ken Fowlie, chairman of Stowe Family Law, reflects on more than 30 years in legal services after ‘falling into law’

Jackson Lees Group—Jannina Barker, Laura Beattie & Catherine McCrindle

Jackson Lees Group—Jannina Barker, Laura Beattie & Catherine McCrindle

Firm promotes senior associate and team leader as wills, trusts and probate team expands

Asserson—Michael Francos-Downs

Asserson—Michael Francos-Downs

Manchester real estate finance practice welcomes legal director

NEWS
Read All
NLJ this week: When ‘milk’ really means milk
The Supreme Court has drawn a firm line under branding creativity in regulated markets. In Dairy UK Ltd v Oatly AB, it ruled that Oatly’s ‘post-milk generation’ trade mark unlawfully deployed a protected dairy designation. In NLJ this week, Asima Rana of DWF explains that the court prioritised ‘regulatory clarity over creative branding choices’, holding that ‘designation’ extends beyond product names to marketing slogans
NLJ this week: Civil practice with claws & caution
From cat fouling to Part 36 brinkmanship, the latest 'Civil way' round-up is a reminder that procedural skirmishes can have sharp teeth. NLJ columnist Stephen Gold ranges across recent decisions with his customary wit
NLJ this week: Stealing virtual gold?
Digital loot may feel like property, but civil law is not always convinced. In NLJ this week, Paul Schwartfeger of 36 Stone and Nadia Latti of CMS examine fraud involving platform-controlled digital assets, from ‘account takeover and asset stripping’ to ‘value laundering’
NLJ this week: Don’t let your LPA gather dust
Lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) are not ‘set and forget’ documents. In this week's NLJ, Ann Stanyer of Wedlake Bell urges practitioners to review LPAs every five years and after major life changes
NLJ this week: Short lets & sharp covenants
Holiday lets may promise easy returns, but restrictive covenants can swiftly scupper plans. Writing in NLJ this week, Andrew Francis of Serle Court recounts how covenants limiting use to a ‘private dwelling house’ or ‘private residence’ have repeatedly defeated short-term letting schemes
Copyright © 2026 LexisNexis
back-to-top-scroll