Rotherham Council worker admitted lying to NSPCC

A Rotherham man admitted lying that his wife had shaken their daughter like a 'rag doll'

The details emerged following a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London.

The man told a family court judge that he made a 'false allegation' because he was angry with his wife.

Mr Justice Cobb said NSPCC officials alerted social services to the claim and an investigation began.

The woman, a teacher, denied shaking the girl but said her husband abused her.

A note found on the mantelpiece of their home said: "Do not react to shouting, remain calm despite everything."

The woman told Mr Justice Cobb that she had the note 'available as a reference point' to help her 'cope with the abuse'.

Mr Justice Cobb said bosses at Rotherham Council launched family court proceedings.

He said: "The father telephoned the NSPCC and reported that the mother had shaken the girl 'like a rag doll' on more than one occasion.

"The NSPCC made a child protection referral to the local authority, who undertook a joint investigation."

"The father has now almost completely retracted the allegation, and maintains that no incident occurred involving shaking of the girl. The father says that he was motivated to make a false allegation by anger towards the mother."