The couple were left in a nightmare situation three years ago when their baby was taken from them and put into care amid false abuse allegations. The then six-week-old child was then adopted, while his parents fought to clear their names in a criminal case.
Having since been cleared of any wrongdoing, Karrissa and Richard have launched a case to get their child back, but in a heartbreaking twist to the story, they have been told that his adoption order may never be overturned.
The couple’s ordeal began three years ago when they brought their son to hospital, after finding blood in his mouth after a feed. When doctors examined the child, they also discovered bruising and marks to the child’s body, and an X-ray showed up what appeared to be fractures.
Karrissa and Richard were then charged with child cruelty, while the baby was taken into care. An adoption order was signed off, even though no criminal charges had been established against the couple. It was later discovered that the X-ray’s findings were consistent with rickets, and it turned out that the child was suffering from infantile rickets and a blood disorder.
While Karrissa and Richard have been able to clear their name however, they are facing an uphill battle to get their son back.
Speaking in court at a hearing this week, a legal representative for the couple said: “These innocent parents have been spared a criminal conviction and a prison sentence for a crime they never committed. Their life sentence is that they are likely never to see their baby again.”
Up until a year ago, the couple were having supervised visits with the child.
We will keep you updated on their case as it progresses. We hope there will be a happy outcome for the family.
