https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-67425080

When her daughter’s father was sent to prison for child sexual abuse, Bethan was horrified to discover he could still be allowed access to their child after he was released. It was a risk she wasn’t willing to take.

Outside a Cardiff courtroom, a smartly dressed young woman sits waiting, anxiously. Bethan has never been inside a family court before, but she is here to try to protect her child - whose father has been convicted of paedophile offences and is currently in jail.

When he was sentenced, some months ago, he was given an order banning him from any future contact with children - but that ban does not prevent him seeking contact with his own child.

With the support of her parents, Bethan has taken the exceptional step of asking the court to remove her ex-husband’s parental rights and ban all contact - direct, indirect and through social media - until their daughter turns 18.

Despite the severity of her former partner’s crimes, Bethan has been advised this process is likely to be difficult. She describes him as “manipulative” and fears he will be able to convince the court of his remorse.

She is not entitled to legal aid, and even before the first hearing, the costs for her solicitor and barrister are already mounting…………………………………………………………