1st September 2025
A heartbroken mother has spoken out about what she describes as a “deeply troubling” case currently before the UK Court of Protection.
For more than seven years, she says her daughter has been kept under the control of Sunderland City Council after officials determined that the young woman “lacks capacity” to make her own decisions.
According to the mother, this ruling has stripped her daughter of her voice, her autonomy, and even timely access to medical attention. She believes the system intended to protect vulnerable people has instead failed her family.
The mother told the Romiley Gazette:
“How can punishing a parent, or silencing them, possibly benefit their child? This is not safeguarding — it is injustice.”
She also raised concerns about late court filings by the council, claiming that while the authority has been slow in its own submissions, she has been blamed for alleged delays. “It is hypocrisy of the highest order,” she said.
Beyond her individual case, she argues the Court of Protection process lacks transparency and too often shields institutions from scrutiny. “The court, meant to safeguard vulnerable people, is instead being used to cover up mistakes and protect authorities from accountability,” she claimed.
In an effort to bring the case to wider public attention, she has contacted journalists, campaigners, and embassies, calling for reform of the system and greater transparency.
Sunderland City Council has been approached for comment.
