Top judge issues arrest warrant for man whose son was placed for adoption

A man whose son was placed for adoption could be jailed after social services bosses complained that he harassed staff and placed material on the internet identifying the youngster.

One of Britain's most senior judges issued a warrant for the arrest of Matthew Newman after analysing complaints by lawyers representing social services officials at Gloucestershire County Council during hearings in the Family Division of the High Court in London.

Sir James Munby, President of the Family Division of the High Court - and the most senior family court judge in England and Wales - concluded that Mr Newman breached orders and was in contempt of court.

Mr Newman's son was at the centre of family court litigation two years ago. Judge Stephen Wildblood, who sits in Bristol, had ruled that the youngster should be taken into local authority care and placed for adoption in May 2014.

Gloucestershire council bosses subsequently complained that Mr Newman breached orders designed to protect the little boy and keep his name out of the public domain and harassed staff.

They asked for him to be committed to prison for contempt.

Sir James analysed evidence at a number of public hearings and has named Mr Newman in rulings.