Dads in paint attack

11:02am Thursday 20th December 2007

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THE campaign group Fathers 4 Justice attacked the home of family court judge Sir Matthew Thorpe in Seend High Street on Sunday night.

Purple paint was daubed over the front steps and door and similarly coloured putty was smeared on the front door lock.

The attack follows a protest in October when about 15 protesters marched through the village with single father Mark Harris.

The protesters presented a wheelbarrow full of legal papers from Mr Harris' struggle to gain access to his children.

After failing to find Sir Matthew at home, Mr Harris told waiting supporters and journalists: "Sir Matthew is not at home today, but I hope we'll catch him another time."

A statement from Fathers 4 Justice said: "Last night (Sunday) militant fringe members visited the homes of two family court judges as part of the Judgebuster Campaign. Purple, the international colour of equality, was used."

The group also attacked the home of Judge Nick Wilson in Sutherland Place, London.

The Fathers 4 Justice statement said that the action was in support of Charles Taylor, a 71-year-old grandfather from Poole, Dorset who was jailed for 20 months for staying in contact with his grandchild who is in care.

The statement added: "Family Court secrecy has been used to conceal information that the Government, social workers and other public officials are too embarrassed to have the press report.

"It also clearly identifies the gagging of the press and the clandestine restrictions on the freedom of speech."

Inspector Dean Knight at Devizes police station confirmed an attack took place at an address in Seend between 9.30pm on Sunday and 8am Monday. He appealed for witnesses to contact the police on 0845 408 7000.