Im a newbie and at my wits end

Hi

I have been divorced over a year seperated for two. I have two lovely children 5 and 3.
When i first split with ex he was reasonable good at having the kids, he didnt have any where suitable for them to stay so it was never on a residencial basis. But everytime had a new gf visits got shorter.
He then got somewhere suitable and started to have them every second weekend on a residencial basis, this was fine for a wee while, then he got a new gf, and his relationship with the kids started to worsen, he moved in with her after a very short time. He sold the kids beds which i later discovered. What kicked it off one weekend the kids had a bad cold and i wanted assurance that they would be sleeping in beds and not sharing an air bed, as if that was the case they wouldnt be staying over night.And i wanted her address. He lied to get the kids and after alot of arguing blurted an add at me. So phoned him and got the add and then he admited lying and he refused to bring them back. The police were involved and all sorts.
When he brought them back he threw them through the door. Anyway my eldest highly distressed, stated she didnt want to go back this was in nov. I sought legal advice and we halted all access til we were satified about arrangements. Then my little girl came out with stories which included his gf hitting my son and my ex and her forcing a banana down my daughters throat. We still ask does she wants to go but all we get is never. I have been to mediation and it was a disaster he refused to acknowledge any wrong doing, this was i Jan. He has never maintained any indirect contact with the kids. The closet was he went to the school to ask the head teacher. he hasnt bothered with christmas cards birthday cards or presents
He hadnt been in touch with a solicitor since Dec now it has raised its ugly head again and is threatening me with court. The thing is my 5 year old doesnt want to go back and is distressed by the events. If it went to court do you think the courts will listen to her? I really dont want to put her through another ordeal but she honestly doesnt appear to want anything to do with him or his gf. I am really at my wits end. Anyone else in a similar position?

Fortunately I've never been in a similar position, but I would call his bluff and let him take it to court and explain his behaviour to a sheriff. The first hearing in children cases in Scotland is heard quite quickly and the judge sets a timetable and decides what he needs in the way of reports for a Child Welfare Hearing. Reporting would most certainly be carried out by a social worker who will talk to the family to get to the bottom things.