Returning jihadists ‘will lead to rise in care cases’

BRITISH jihadists returning from Syria will put pressure on the family courts over the next year, the Lord Chief Justice has said.

The most senior judge in England and Wales said the Family Court had dealt with a number of cases arising from radicalisation and he expected care cases to increase as families returned.

Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) has lost much of its territory in Syria and Iraq during the past 18 months, and foreign fighters fleeing the two countries have faced arrest. It is estimated that 850 British citizens, including large family groups, have travelled to fight for jihadists.

Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas made the prediction in his annual report to Parliament that sets out the court system’s position, including the challenges it faces and how it deals with them.