DEACON & CASTLE

In the matter of DEACON & CASTLE, heard before Judge Stewart, the dispute concerned the welfare and immediate care of two children, X and Y. The orders indicate a significant shift in the custodial arrangements previously in place, with the father's involvement being substantially curtailed.

The court was required to determine the immediate living arrangements for the children and to impose protective measures concerning the father's contact with them and the mother. This involved considering the implications of the father's absence from court during the delivery of the orders and the need for ongoing legal representation for the children.

Judge Stewart ordered that previous orders be suspended and that the children be forthwith returned to the mother's care. The father was restrained from approaching the children or the mother, and from being within 200 meters of the children's locations or the mother's home or school. The court also requested the Legal Aid Commission consider the reappointment of an Independent Children’s Lawyer and granted leave for the issuance of multiple subpoenas. The father's absence from court during the delivery of these orders was noted.