Redington & Freed

In the matter of *Redington & Freed*, heard by Hogan J, the father (Mr Freed) sought leave to participate in the final trial of the proceedings, or to be cross-examined via electronic means. The Independent Children's Lawyer was also a party to the proceedings.

The central legal issue before the court was whether the father's request to participate or be cross-examined electronically should be granted, in the context of an upcoming final hearing.

Hogan J refused the father's request to participate in or be cross-examined by electronic means at the final hearing. While the specific reasoning is not detailed in the provided text, the court's decision to refuse this request led to the vacation of the final hearing previously scheduled to commence on 27 April 2021. The final hearing was subsequently relisted for 26 July 2021, with a pre-trial case management hearing to be scheduled. The court also imposed a deadline of 14 May 2021 for any applications to adjourn the rescheduled final hearing.