Campaigner faces 'handcuff' hearing

6:26pm Thursday 13th September 2007

A FATHERS' rights activist from a village near Trowbridge could lose his children only a year after winning a court battle allowing him access to them.

Jason Hatch, 35, of Keevil, faces the prospect of a prison sentence when he appears at Manchester Crown Court next week for trial charged with unlawful imprisonment and assault.

The charge, which he denies, stems from an incident in November 2004 at the Lowry Hotel, Salford, when then Children's Minister Margaret Hodge was handcuffed by parenting rights protesters as she spoke at a family law conference.

Mrs Hodge remained in the cuffs for about 40 minutes before bolt cutters were used to free her.

Mr Hatch, who has taken part in a number of demonstrations for campaign group Fathers 4 Justice, was arrested in November 2006.

He said: "It's looking dodgy. I've been to court everywhere across the country but this is the worst I've ever faced. In my defence, I've just been given access to my children. Why would they take them off me by sending me to prison?"

He gained widespread attention for Fathers 4 Justice by climbing to the balcony on Buckingham Palace dressed as Batman, pictured left, in September 2004.

This week saw the third anniversary of the stunt, and Mr Hatch had intended to mark it with another protest until his court case prevented him.

He said: "It's been a bit difficult to get stuff done, and I didn't want to rattle any cages before the trial."

But, should he avoid a conviction and prison sentence, he promises normal service will be resumed soon.

Fathers 4 Justice is working on a new operation, targeting the homes of the Family Court Judges who rule over child custody cases.

The group have released names and addresses of 63 judges on their website for the "Judgebuster" campaign.

Among those listed is 69-year-old High Court appeal judge Lord Justice Thorpe, who lives in Seend near Melksham.

Fathers 4 Justice South West Co-ordinator Richard Adams added: "There will be a protest at his house very soon. It's been put off and put off, but plans are now in process."