A WOMAN has been ordered to send her five-year-old son to live with his father in France after it was ruled that the British courts had no power to intervene in the case.

Victoria Donaldson, 38, lived in France for 16 months with Alistair, her husband, their son Tommy and her three children from a previous relationship.

After the marriage broke down last year, she moved to England with all four children. But when Tommy went on holiday to France later, Mr Donaldson took out a temporary residence order. Mrs Donaldson now faces a lengthy custody battle in French courts.

Denise Carter, director of the charity Reunite, said parents who were considering moving abroad should check the custody laws before doing so.

A French court is expected to decide who should have full custody of Tommy next year.