Partner Deborah Jeff comments on the High Court’s ruling that Sheikh Mohammed displayed "coercive and controlling behaviour" towards Princess Haya and will lose responsibility for their children

The ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, was found by the High Court to have domestically abused Princess Haya and ruled that he will have no substantive influence over their children's upbringing.

Deborah commented: "Today’s judgement is a reminder of the wide implications of domestic abuse and coercive/controlling behaviour. The court now recognises the lasting impact, not just on the partner who experiences it, but on children and their wellbeing.

"The court has taken the bold but undoubtedly correct step of ensuring an abusive parent cannot make decisions with their mother regarding what is in the best interests of their children - the right outcome after many years of abuse, giving the family time to heal and minimise the ongoing impact of their father’s historical behaviour.

"It’s encouraging to now see the courts recognising the coercive/controlling element which for many years was so difficult to have taken seriously in our courts."