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Neon Roberts tumour radiotherapy ruling expected Neon Roberts mother loses radiotherapy court battle
(35 minutes later)
The mother of a seven-year-old boy should hear later whether her son will be given radiotherapy treatment against her wishes. A seven-year-old boy can be given radiotherapy treatment against his mother's wishes, a judge has ruled.
Neon Roberts underwent surgery on a cancerous brain tumour on Wednesday, but his mother Sally fears radiotherapy could cause long-term damage. Neon Roberts has undergone two operations to remove a cancerous brain tumour and nodule, but his mother Sally did not want him to have radiotherapy.
Doctors have told the High Court that Neon could die without further treatment. Doctors have told the High Court that Neon could die without further treatment, saying there was only a 35% survival rate with chemotherapy only.
Mr Justice Bodey is expected to deliver his ruling shortly. Mr Justice Bodey said: "One can't enjoy a quality of life if one isn't alive."
The Family Division of the High Court had been told by Dr A: "We have always said there are side effects and I do understand the family's anxiety, but it does not reflect the risk-benefit balance." Summing up, the judge said: "The mother has been through a terrible time. This sort of thing is every parent's nightmare.
Mrs Roberts told the court she believed conventional cancer treatment was "out of date". "But I am worried that her judgement has gone awry on the question of the seriousness of the threat which Neon faces.
"The alternative treatments put forward were complimentary and alternative medicine. Nothing put forward has undergone rigorous clinical trials.
'Out of date'
"I find it difficult to see that doctors would withhold alternative treatment that would improve survival."
The hospital and health trust involved in the case cannot be identified for legal reasons.
The Family Division of the High Court had been told by a Dr A: "We have always said there are side effects and I do understand the family's anxiety, but it does not reflect the risk-benefit balance."
Mrs Roberts told the court she believed conventional cancer treatment was "out of date". She said she feared radiotherapy would reduce Neon's IQ, shorten his life, put him at risk of having strokes and make him infertile.
But the counsel appointed for Neon argued "standard treatment" is the only option that could save his life.But the counsel appointed for Neon argued "standard treatment" is the only option that could save his life.
The court was also told Neon's father Ben, who has agreed to radiotherapy, needed the security of a residence order to allow the boy to live with his father during the treatment.The court was also told Neon's father Ben, who has agreed to radiotherapy, needed the security of a residence order to allow the boy to live with his father during the treatment.
'Reflects her love' 'Only important thing'
Neon had surgery in October after being diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumour, but the judge ruled he should have further surgery after MRI scans showed a tumour nodule where the original operation was performed.Neon had surgery in October after being diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumour, but the judge ruled he should have further surgery after MRI scans showed a tumour nodule where the original operation was performed.
Mrs Roberts asked the court to delay its decision, claiming other "credible" alternative treatment was available.Mrs Roberts asked the court to delay its decision, claiming other "credible" alternative treatment was available.
She asked the court for more time to research any alternatives.She asked the court for more time to research any alternatives.
Ian Peddie QC, for Ms Roberts, told the judge : "Her stance merely reflects the love that she has for him.Ian Peddie QC, for Ms Roberts, told the judge : "Her stance merely reflects the love that she has for him.
"The mother, having considered the pros and cons of radiotherapy, does not believe it is in his best interests because of the significant and long-term consequences of this dramatic, powerful brain-altering treatment.""The mother, having considered the pros and cons of radiotherapy, does not believe it is in his best interests because of the significant and long-term consequences of this dramatic, powerful brain-altering treatment."
Mr Justice Bodey asked Ms Roberts whether "some sort of tie-up" with the media was influencing her thinking.Mr Justice Bodey asked Ms Roberts whether "some sort of tie-up" with the media was influencing her thinking.
She said: "My son is the only important thing to me."She said: "My son is the only important thing to me."
Earlier this month New Zealand-born Mrs Roberts went into hiding with her son.Earlier this month New Zealand-born Mrs Roberts went into hiding with her son.
Mr Justice Bodey said it would be remiss of the court not to prevent that recurring.Mr Justice Bodey said it would be remiss of the court not to prevent that recurring.