A British 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 also lacks the ability to decide whether or not to consent to the sterilisation.