A High Court judge has agreed to the sterilisation of a man because it is “in his best interests”.

It is the first time a UK court has made such a decision.

Referred to as “DE”, the 36-year-old has learning difficulties and already has a young son with his girlfriend.

The judge said that a vasectomy could take place after hearing that DE does not want to become a father again, and another child could cause him “psychological harm”.

Experts said that DE was capable of consenting to sexual relationships but could not properly make decisions about contraception.

They said he could not be relied on to use condoms or other birth control methods effectively.

The case came to court because of evidence that DE lacks the capacity to decide whether or not to agree to the sterilisation.

A routine was in place to stop the man meeting his girlfriend without supervision to “keep them safe”, the court was told.

Sky News’ Michelle Clifford, who was at the High Court, said experts believed the man “did not have the power to resist unprotected sex”.

There were worries that the man’s partner – who also has learning difficulties – could become pregnant.

The couple already had a baby together in 2010.

“This caused great distress to the man,” said Clifford. “In the beginning he could not even understand how the birth of the child had anything to do with what he had done.

“He was very unhappy and very disorientated.”

The man’s mother – as well as expert witnesses – all agree that he is adamant he does not want another child.

It is hoped the vasectomy will give the man greater independence in his relationship and that he can see his girlfriend without supervision.

More follows…

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