1 /5 Maria Whittaker: I am totally astonished by Lynn Markhams responses on here to people who have commented on the Kavanaugh case and his ultimate decision to hand her back to her parents. Whilst I understand that the judgement he made was following the law at that time, he MUST have been slightly concerned. No-one can be that heartless. That said, I wonder if an investigation via social services could have been an action before the child was handed over. The photographic evidence spoke for the fact her injuries were severe and suspicious. Certainly, when a child is potentially at risk the judge would have the power to make a decision in the childs best interest. This didnt mean not giving her back to her parents but launching an investigation with social services to ensure her safety before doing so. Mr Markhams view of this being the fault of her adoptive parents not pursuing this is quite frankly insulting. You can see that they would have been completely overwhelmed by the legalities of this. They are not educated like the judge and were probably completely out of their depth. They were also advised that a physical examination would harm her.
I also understand that it sounds like Mr Markham was thrown under the bus in that he was brought in on this case because the current judge did not want to go near it. I do wonder if he has lost sleep over this. Im shocked to see from comments (and interviews) that there does not appear to be any compassion or reflection on his decision, especially as this led to the poor child being so abused that she has to have reconstructive surgery.
Far less importantly, but more prevalent to today, his responses to unsatisfied clients via reviews is astonishing. It looks as though he has not learned any grace or emotional intelligence at all.
One can only assume by his defensiveness and anger is that he did regret his decision, and he has had to live with that. So, for his part in this tragic story, perhaps justice was served.
