A HOLME Valley mother is locked in a bitter custody battle with the Canadian legal system.

Emma Rankin, 31, of Honley, is desperately trying to get her three children after splitting with her Canadian common-law husband.

But he is also trying to keep the children and more court hearings are planned.

Trouble started for Miss Rankin when she tried to escape an unhappy relationship with her partner, Scott Beasley, 40, in Canada.

The couple met 10 years ago after Emma left her family in Honley and went to work in the hotel industry in remote Muskoka, Ontario.

The couple had three children - three-year-old twins Clayton and Andrew and 17-month-old Ella.

All are Canadian citizens.

Emma, who is classed as Mr Beasley's common-law wife, came to Huddersfield with her children for a family wedding on July 13.

When Mr Beasley failed to fly over as promised, she decided it was the last straw for their ailing relationship. She applied for separation at Huddersfield solicitors Parker Bird on July 20.

Emma was due to return to Canada on July 25, but could not face returning to her relationship and money problems.

As she was ill, undernourished and suffering a back injury, she stayed to recuperate with her parents, Margaret and Andy Rankin, at Honley.

But on August 10, two policemen arrived at the house and Emma had to surrender her passport.

Mr Beasley had accused her of abducting the children and international law had been invoked under the Hague Convention - meaning Emma had to return to Canada.

Margaret Rankin said: "Emma understands the law, but there are extenuating circumstances.

"It has affected all of us."

At a court hearing in London on August 20, Emma was told to return before September 3 - which she did - or face jail for contempt of court.

She was told to return to the marital home, despite the bitter relationship with Mr Beasley.

She will also not be allowed to leave Canada - with or without the children - indefinitely.

She faced a court hearing in Canada last Thursday, with her father by her side.

It was decided that she should leave the marital home, but no decision was made on Mr Beasley's application for full custody of the children.

There will be another hearing on November 18.

Emma's mother said the situation was causing heartache for the family.

Grandmother Margaret said: "Emma just wants to start again. But there is no-one to help us.

"I might not see her or my grandchildren again unless we can find money to visit them there.

"Emma doesn't want this to happen to anyone else. People should be aware of what can happen," she added.