Mum And Missing Girl, 5, Found In Russia

Mum And Missing Girl, 5, Found In Russia
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Judge and gavel in courtroom

A missing five-year-old British girl at the centre of a tug-of-love dispute has been found in Russia.

A High Court judge said Alice Davies has been found safe and well with her teacher mother Jacqueline, 49, following the publicity surrounding her disappearance two years ago – and she should be back in Britain next week.

Ms Davies is due to appear at a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in Birmingham on Tuesday, Mr Justice Keehan said.

Ms Davies had become involved in family court proceedings after separating from former partner and Alice's father Julian Brown.

A judge had ruled that Mr Brown should have contact with his daughter and there followed a dispute, when Ms Davies disappeared with Alice.

"I'm delighted," said Mr Brown after yesterday's hearing.

"I haven't seen Alice for nearly two years. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes to plan and I'll see her next week."

News of Alice's discovery emerged today at a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London, where the little girl's grandparents were appearing after the judge found them in contempt of court.

Brian and Patricia Davies - who are both in their 70s and come from Pentyrch, Cardiff - were remanded in custody on Friday after Mr Justice Keehan concluded that they had lied when asked for information about the child's whereabouts.

Melanie Williams - Alice's aunt and a mother-of-two - also appeared after being remanded in custody on Friday when the judge concluded that she had also lied and was in contempt.

Mr Justice Keehan said in the light of Alice's discovery all three could be released.

The judge imposed a 12-day prison sentence on each and said they should serve half that sentence.

He said time spent on remand would form part of the sentence and therefore all three could be released today.