The child, a girl, was 2 at the date of the alleged wrongful removal. She had lived in England all her life. The parents were separated and had joint rights of custody.
On 25 September 1992 the mother attempted to take the child to Australia. However, the child was not permitted to leave without a visa. The mother subsequently obtained Australian citizenship for the child and on 16 October 1992 she travelled to Australia, her State of origin, with the child.
On 12 February 1993 the Australian Central Authority filed an application for the return of the child on behalf of the father.