A local authority in the north-west of England appeals a ruling that drinking alcohol during pregnancy does not constitute a criminal offence. Watch the broadcast, in association with Sky News.

A local authority in the north-west of England appeals a ruling that drinking during pregnancy does not constitute a criminal offence.

The unnamed council is seeking compensation from the mother of a child (now in its care) who developed foetal alcohol syndrome as a result of her drinking.

It claims the woman committed a criminal act under the Offences Against the Persons Act 1861.

(Judgment has been reserved.)

NB: Reporting restrictions prevent broadcast of anything that could identify the child – this includes the identity of the mother and the area and local authority in question, other than to say they are in the north-west of England.

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