Justin Gray leading Nicola Bowker and Rebecca Stokes-Herbst appeared on behalf of the Local Authorities in the recently published case of Re CA and Ors (Children of Unregulated Sperm Donor) [2025] EWFC 130 before Mr Justice Poole. The case concerned two children conceived via natural insemination from the “prolific” unregulated sperm donor Robert Albon, otherwise known by his pseudonym, “Joe Donor”.
After hearing evidence and submissions over the course of 3 weeks, Mr Justice Poole delivered his judgment in which he granted Mr Albon’s application for a Declaration of Parentage (not opposed by the Local Authority) but dismissed all other applications made on his behalf. The Judge proceeded to make the care and placement order sought in respect of one child and found that Mr Albon’s future contact with both children should be limited to indirect contact (by way of letters and cards) only.
Having regard to the earlier published decision of HHJ Furness in A v. B [2023] EWFC 333, Mr Justice Poole determined that Mr Albon and his pseudonym should be named in this judgment. Reporting Restriction Orders were made in respect of both mothers and the children concerned and a S91(14) order, preventing Mr Albon making any future applications without the Court’s permission, was made for a period of 5 years in respect of the child who remains living with her mother.
The case has also received national media interest, including: