David Chick (aka 'Spiderman'), who was arrested and remanded in custody yesterday after ending his 6-day protest on a crane overlooking Tower Bridge, appeared at Thames Magistrates' Court today on a charge of causing a public nuisance. He entered a plea of not guilty, thereby opting for a jury trial. The maximum penalty for the offence is six months in prison and a £1,000 fine.

Just - 450ft hi(gh) from SpEYEderman upon the top of his london eye with the BIG banner IN THE NAME OF THE CHILDREN (side 1) and FAILED AND ABUSED BY FAMILY LAW (on the other side) - Spiderman 3 coming soon!
David Chick as always draws our attention to the plight of father's via public action.
Exactly why the Government treats these peaceful demonstrations as some form of terrorism is beyond my grasp but one can only assume that they do not want father's to have equal parenting rights.

The fathers' rights campaigner who he staged a six-day crane-top vigil dressed as Spiderman at Tower Bridge has now brought the London Eye to a halt. Protest: Spiderman closes the London Eye David Chick gained access to the tourist attraction before 4am this morning by claiming to be a workman, according to a spokesman for pressure group Fathers 4 Justice. He then climbed to the top of the 450-feet structure dressed as Spiderman in protest at being denied access to his four-year-old daughter. London Eye shareholder British Airways said it did not know how Mr Chick evaded security but described the breach as "unacceptable". A spokesman said: "We don't know how he gained access to the wheel. He obviously got past security somehow but it wasn't as straightforward as saying he was a maintenance man. "It will be looked at as part of a full investigation by the London Eye Company and we are taking this matter very seriously. We have extremely stringent security measures in place and will be looking urgently at how he got past them. It's unacceptable." Mr Chick has not seen his daughter since March 1, 2003, after his former partner denied him access - despite a court order allowing him two hours each fortnight. Today, he said in a statement: "My protest has moved forward, and has had to move forward, because nothing has changed to right the wrongs of one parent blocking an ex-partner access to their children in defiance of a court order." Mr Chick added he was not a "troublemaker or attention seeker" but was simply trying to maintain a normal father-daughter relationship. "The British justice system has completely failed my child and I," he said. "To those who have been inconvenienced by my protest, I apologise. Police were called to the wheel, billed as the world's highest observational wheel, at 3.49am this morning. The area has been cordoned off and the London Eye will remain closed while the father-of-one continues his protest.

Father's rights campaigner Jason Hatch, dressed as Batman, waves to crowds as he protests on a ledge to the right hand side of the main balcony of the Buckingham Palace in London, Sept. 13, 2004. Jason Hatch, 33, entered the grounds of British Queen's residence Buckingham Palace and gained access to a balcony Monday afternoon, campaigning for greater custody rights for divorced or separated fathers. A policeman (C) negotiates with father's rights campaigner Jason Hatch (R) from a balcony of the Buckingham Palace in London, Sept. 13, 2004. A policeman (front) stands guard in front of the Buckingham Palace as father's rights campaigner Jason Hatch protests on a ledge to the right hand side of the main balcony of the Buckingham Palace in London, Sept. 13, 2004. Security guards negoatiate with father's rights campaigner Jason Hatch (R) from a balcony of the Buckingham Palace in London, Sept. 13, 2004. Supporters wave to father's rights campaigner Jason Hatch who protests on a ledge to the right hand side of the main balcony of the Buckingham Palace in London, Sept. 13, 2004. Father's rights campaigner Jason Hatch (R) is removed by a lifter from a ledge to the right hand side of the main balcony of the Buckingham Palace in London, Sept. 13, 2004. A father's rights campaigner entered the grounds of British Queen's residence Buckingham Palace and gained access to a balcony Monday afternoon. Metropolitan Police cordoned off the area as crowds built up to watch the one-man protest by Jason Hatch, 33, who was campaigning for greater custody rights for divorced or separated fathers. Hatch, dressed as Batman, stood on a ledge to the right hand side of the main balcony at the front of the palace, unfurling a banner which read: "Super dads of fathers 4 justice -- Fighting for your rights to your kids", witnesses said. "There's a man there, but it's a police matter. I'm not sure where he is but I can hear him shouting," a Buckingham Palace spokeswoman told the BBC. The Queen was not at the palace as she is at Balmoral in Scotland, the spokeswoman added. Matt O'Connor, spokesman for the Fathers 4 Justice group, said Hatch's protest was to highlight the court appearance of Patrick Davis, another member of the group who staged a flour-throwing protest in the House of Commons in May. On Saturday, David Chick a member of the group dressed as Spiderman climbed to the top of the 137-meter London Eye wheel beside the River Thames.

The campaign is appearing all over the press and television. It has been the lead story on Radio 2 for most of the day.
The following is a list of actions that have been taken this morning (Monday 2nd February 2004):

1. Telford Bridge, Bristol has been closed by Batman, Robin, Superman & Spiderman.
2. Tyne Bridge, Newcastle is suffering major congestion as a result of action by Batman, Robin, Superman & Spiderman.
3. A13 in London, we are unsure but think that it is probably been closed by Batman
4. A40 in London, Superman has caused the closure of two lanes.
5. A2 Kent, 2 people taking action, we are awaiting further details
6. M4 London, again action being taken, we are awaiting reports.

Tremendous Paul Robinson was on the M4 and also got thrown off. Darryl is on A40 and Graham is on the A13 keeping the police at bay.
Arrested: At Blackwall Tunnel was Matthaus Huber as well as Robin (I believe).
B.B.C. Bristol News
B.B.C. London News
The Sun

Friday 19th December 2003: This was the day of the Father's For Justice Christmas Santa Squad Demonstation.
Some pictures and brief text exist at Christmas 2003
The Police estimated the number of santa's at about two hundred and fifty.

Four members of The civil rights pressure group Fathers 4 Justice have taken up their places on top of Tower Bridge in London (built by Horace Jones in 1894 - the things you learn from tourist venues). The 4 Men all dressed in Father Christmas outfits gained access to the roof of the bridge and have unfurled a banner reading Get Plucked Minister. They were assisted by 16 fellow members creating a diversion in the walkways below. More details as they emerge. The Men intend to stay up on the Bridge until Christmas Day and are campaigning for equality and say that 1 in 4 children will not see their Fathers this Christmas.
The Caped Crusaders Strike Again! This story was covered on ITV London at 18:15 pm saying the Crusaders went on the bridge in the afternoon.
One of the Four men Mr X, came down last night and has spent the night at the City of London Police Station in Bishopsgate. He is appearing in court Tuesday at 10.00am at City Magistrates Court which is at 1 Queen Victoria Street EC4N 4XY

Other Site Interests: Children Need Fathers.org CNF is a local organisation with a manifesto to promote changes in English Family Law in the real interests of children.
Do not let things overwhelm you, we care and there is help available. If you are a father, mother, grandparent or sibling in need of support or assistance then please call our helpline on 0870 794 0075
We regret that we do not have the skills or expertise to deal directly with children. If you are a child who is suffering from the separation or divorce of your parents,
please call either ChildIine on 0800 1111, NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or Samaritans on 08457 909090

A protest by a man dressed as Father Christmas has brought chaos to one of the main commuter routes into central London.

19 Dec 2003: The Father had residency but it appears the children wanted to live with their mother and that has happened.
Compare this with the November case at Heartbreak Hotel where the gender situation was reversed.
In that case, the Father nearly went to prison for a criminal offence, because he choose to support the child's wishes.
The Mother's Attitude To Contact is Hostile. The Father has now not seen his children for two years. So much for two parent support of children..

19 Dec 2003: A desperate dad caused traffic chaos yesterday as he demonstrated over access to his kinds at Christmas.
Ivor Walter dressed as Santa and climbed on to a gantry over a major route into London.
The Sun Ivor Walter Protest also covers Batman, Robin and Spiderman

19 Dec 2003: Darryl a 21 year old Drama Student is making a Father's Protest. He was given up by real mother and prevented from seeing his real father. Although placed in foster care when 5 days old his foster parents subsequently split, and again, not allowed to see foster father. The birth of his son is a typical teenage accidental pregnancy.
Currently the CAFCASS recommendation for Father Contact with Joshua, now 18 months is: Seen the child eight times, half at cafcass, all supervised. 1 hour for Christmas on Christmas Eve.
There is a Final Hearing 18th Feb 2004 to gain parental responsibility and more regular contact.
There may well be a piece about Darryl in the Independent on Sunday 21 Dec 2003 and also in Derby Telegraph next Monday 22 Dec 2004.

24th Nov 2003: The situation put simply is that the mother had residency of the child. The child on more than one occassion 'ran away' to the father. The mother via a 'private judge's motion' sought for the child to be returned to her. The child, who had advised his own solicitor, retreated to his bedroom and would not leave.

The Court of Appeal in the case of "RE: S" has just handed down its Judgment (28 Jan 2004) and it is clear that the court intended to deliver a public message. The ruling confirms that our family justice system encourages custodial parents to use the courts to shut the other parent (usually dad, but sometimes mum) out of their child's life.

This man  (linked article)  claims he knows me. I do not know about that.
Emails, he is gonna pick up the phone, but nah.
I have put pictures of the bloke on the web first.
For more pictures of Batman and London Contacts.

Till We Have Build Jerusalem

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountains green ?
And was the holy lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen ?

And did the Countenance Divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills ?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Amongst these dark Satanic mills ?

Bring me my bow of burning gold !
Bring me my arrows of desire !
Bring me my spear ! O clouds unfold !
Bring me my chariot of fire !

I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have build Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.

William Blake

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November 20, 2004 Fathers put Children's Minister in chains By Frances Gibb, Legal Editor TWO Fathers 4 Justice campaigners burst into a conference of several hundred judges and lawyers yesterday and handcuffed Margaret Hodge, the Minister for Children. The minister was left standing chained to one of the men for ten minutes while police were summoned to cut off the handcuffs. The other protester, who had intended to join himself to her other hand, was tackled by conference participants including Dominic Grieve, the Shadow Attorney-General, and Janet Paraskeva, chief executive of the Law Society. The protest by Jolly Stanesby and Jason Hatch — who recently scaled Buckingham Palace dressed as Batman — happened despite extra security arranged by the Law Society, the organisers of the conference in Manchester on family law. The men, who had dressed in suits to look like lawyers attending the conference, declared that they were making a citizen’s arrest as they descended on the minister. Mr Stanesby was arrested for assault and unlawful detention. However, Mrs Hodge is understood not to wish charges to be preferred. Last night Mr Stanesby was released without charge on police bail by Greater Manchester Police after being held for questioning. Mrs Hodge, who was preparing to answer questions, after her speech, remained composed throughout the episode. Lord Justice Thorpe, a senior family judge who was scheduled to speak shortly after Mrs Hodge, said that he was surprised at the lack of security for a government minister. “I don’t see why she should not have had a couple of plain clothes policemen with her. “When you see something as crude and offensive as that, it just emphasises that it destroys the climate necessary in which there can be a reasonably detached debate,” he said.

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Fathers rights campaigner cuffs himself to Children's Minister By Richard Allen, Times Online A Fathers 4 Justice campaigner handcuffed himself to Margaret Hodge, the Minister for Children at a family law conference in Manchester today. Two campaigners approached Mrs Hodge as she was giving a keynote speech and put on the handcuffs at about 10.30am, claiming that they were making a citizen's arrest. Fathers 4 Justice said that the two campaigners were Jason Hatch, who scaled Buckingham Palace dressed as Batman earlier this year, and Jonathan 'Jolly' Stanesby. Police officers arrived at 10.50am, and the handcuffs were opened. A man was arrested. A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "The matter is being dealt with by the police and she is going ahead with her speech as planned." A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "Police were called to the Lowry Hotel after a man is believed to have entered a meeting being held in a function room and handcuffed himself to a government minister. "Officers arrived at the hotel and the minister, who was attending the meeting, was freed from the handcuffs. She was unharmed and a man has been arrested in connection with the incident. The man involved is believed to have been representing Fathers 4 Justice." It is believed that a third man tried to join Mr Stanesby and Mr Hatch on stage, but was wrestled to the floor by lawyers sitting in the front row. Mr Hatch later claimed that security around the minister had been lax. He said he and Mr Stanesby booked a room in the hotel the previous week, and last night they inspected the conference room where Mrs Hodge was handcuffed today. Mr Hatch, from Cheltenham, and Mr Stanesby, 38, from Manor Close, Ivybridge, Devon, strolled into the conference room posing as lawyers taking part in the meeting, he said. "There was no police outside the conference room, only security guards. We walked straight up to Mrs Hodge, who was sat at a table and I said: ’You’re under arrest’. Jolly handcuffed her and I tried to do the same." Hatch said they then let off smoke flares in the conference room before fire crews were called to cut the minister loose from the plastic coated police issue handcuffs. Asked about the protest, Hatch said: "This is the Fathers 4 Justice response to the Home Office report called Making Contact Work. We believe in non-violent direct action. This is our message to get the Government to listen and let them know they cannot ignore us any longer." Fathers 4 Justice campaigner Matt O’Connor confirmed that Jonathan "Jolly" Stanesby, a registered childminder, was arrested following the stunt. Mr O’Connor added: "This was the first in a series of planned protests in the run up to Christmas. Most of the protests will involve Father Christmas in a whole range of scenarios." Mrs Hodge had another run-in with Fathers 4 Justice a week ago. Police had to hold back protesters when she arrived to deliver a speech near Bootle, Merseyside last Friday. In an interview with Monday's Independent she said: "I did a speech and blasted Fathers 4 Justice came. They were there with loud-hailers and so on. I talked to two of them because I thought it would calm them down." Mrs Hodge is sympathetic to the fathers' plight. But she has refused to give in to their demand that fathers and mothers share 50 per cent custody after a break-up, insisting the child's interests always be put first. "Of course fathers miss their kids," she said. "Divorce and separation is horrible for everybody. But the idea that the state can sort out entrenched animosity and bitterness in a relationship, I think is stretching it a bit far." She also criticised Sir Bob Geldof, who has become a frontman for the fathers' movement. "He believes the courts are biased. He believes everybody is institutionally against dads. It is not true. You can't look to the state to resolve those domestic issues," she said. The Law Society condemned today’s Fathers 4 Justice stunt. Chief executive Janet Paraskeva, who was sitting next to Mrs Hodge when she was handcuffed, said: "The Law Society is appalled by the behaviour of Fathers 4 Justice. It diminishes the debate and in no way serves the interests of children or their parents." Fathers 4 Justice have rarely been out of the headlines this year with a series of high-profile stunts. In September, Mr Hatch staged a five-hour protest on a ledge at Buckingham Palace. Dressed as Batman, Hatch, from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, used a ladder to gain access to the Royal household. He later wrote to the Queen to apologise. He has been bailed by police without charge. In May, F4J campaigners Ron Davis, 48, and Guy Harrison, 36, brought Prime Minister’s Questions to a halt with the infamous "funpowder plot". Harrison hurled a condom full of purple glitter and flour at Tony Blair as Davis held a poster upside down and chanted slogans. Davis was given a two-year conditional discharge, while Harrison was fined £600. In February, four F4J protesters - including Hatch - dressed up as superheroes and scaled the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, causing traffic chaos. They were later found guilty of public order offences. In January, a F4J protester climbed the gantry of the Tamar bridge, near Plymouth. He was joined by 36-year-old Jayne Woodman, a human resources manager from Swansea, who was the first woman to protest on behalf of the group. The demonstration caused long tailbacks on both the Devon and Cornwall approaches to the bridge when the pair blocked the carriageway with two cars. F4J staged its first demonstration on December 17, 2002 - a raid on the offices of the Lord Chancellor’s Department by 200 Father Christmases campaigning to "Save Father Christmas".

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p.s. there is a Children's Joke Center On This Site

20th April 2003 (Easter Sunday):
'Hot Cross Bunny' protest at country house hotel in Somerset

F4J bunnies paid a visit to the country house hotel in Somerset owned by Family Court judge Mrs Justice Bracewell. Bemused guests at the hotel looked on over breakfast as the Hot Cross Bunnies hopped around on the hotel lawns.

The Easter Sunday protest brought increased national media coverage for F4J, with national chair Matt O'Connor interviewed live from the scene on Radio 5 Live, then on BBC Radio Scotland the following day, and on Woman's Hour on Radio 4 on the 28th of April. All this in addition to local radio coverage.