A Suffolk woman who accused her ex-partner of raping and abusing her has complained that an online family court hearing was unfair because he could see her on screen.
The woman, who lives near Ipswich, has appealed to the High Court against “fact-finding” decisions made by a judge at a private hearing in September and wants her case reconsidered.
She argued the quality of her evidence was “diminished” because the man was looking at her as she answered questions from lawyers.
She has also argued that Recorder Rebecca Bradberry should have given consideration to shielding her from seeing the man.
The man and woman are embroiled in family court litigation, centred on a child.
Recorder Bradberry had been asked to make findings about the woman’s allegations of rape, sexual abuse, domestic abuse and coercive control.
The woman’s ex-partner has said her appeal should be dismissed.
A High Court judge considered the woman’s appeal on Thursday and is expected to deliver a ruling soon.
Mrs Justice Theis, who oversaw a public appeal hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London, said the child at the centre of the litigation could not be identified.
Barrister Charlotte Proudman, who represented the woman, said the central issue was whether she should have been shielded from the man when giving evidence.
Dr Proudman said they had been able to see each other at the hearing because both of their cameras were switched on.
She also suggested the woman might have been intimidated by the sight of her alleged abuser.
The ex-partner told Mrs Justice Theis that Recorder Bradberry had made findings in his favour and argued that justice had been done.
He said the woman had been “lying” and told Mrs Justice Theis that the outcome of the case had “nothing to do” with his camera being on.
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