Judge sets date-certain to cut off little Alfie Evans’ life support

Mr. Justice Hayden (pictured), the original trial judge, today set an undisclosed date-certain when gravely ill Alfie Evans’ ventilator will be turned off. During a discussion held in the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Judge Hayden once again rejected the plea of Tom Evans and Kate James to transfer their 23-month-old toddler from Alder Hey Childrens’ Hospital and be taken to Gesu Bambino Pediatric Hospital in Rome for a diagnosis and possible additional treatment.

The parents were not in court. They were with Alfie at the hospital in Birmingham. Christian Legal Centre’s barrister Paul Diamond represented the family in court today. The Liverpool Echo’s Lorna Hughes provided an almost minute-by-minute summary of the hearing.

In the end...

Mr. Justice Hayden says Mr. Diamond’s arguments are “entirely misconceived” because they were comprehensively rejected by the Supreme Court on March 20.

“This afternoon I have endorsed the care plan constructed by the Trust setting out the provisions for the end of Alfie’s life.

“That plan has the endorsement of Alfie’s Guardian, who emphasises in effect it is long overdue.

“It is seven weeks since I declared Alfie’s situation to be contrary to his best interests.

“The parents and in particular Mr Evans has not in truth engaged with the care plan.

“He cannot face its reality and continues to hope for an entirely unrealistic solution.”

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