Prentice & Bellas and Anor

This matter came before Murphy J in the Family Court of Australia concerning an application filed by the father on 19 December 2011, along with all outstanding applications and cross-applications. The Independent Children's Lawyer was discharged.

The court was required to determine the disposition of the father's application and any related applications, as well as to consider potential breaches of section 121 of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) and other offences, including kidnapping, in relation to the child T Prentice.

Murphy J dismissed the father's application and all outstanding applications. The court directed the Marshal of the Court to ensure a full investigation and potential prosecution of any breaches of section 121 of the Act revealed by the material. Furthermore, the court respectfully requested the Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service and the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police to investigate potential offences, including kidnapping and indictable offences under section 121 of the Act, committed by the mother, Ian Bruce Bell, or any other person, as indicated by the proceedings. The court also authorised the publication of specific documents, including statements and affidavits, to the Commissioners of Police and their authorised officers, and ordered that the judgment and orders be sent to the mother and Ian Bruce Bell.