Daddy of all protests

Chris Tompson’s Fathers for Children protest on the balcony of Oldham County Court.

A FRUSTRATED father who has not seen his children for 18 months protested on top of Oldham County Court yesterday against what he claims are unfair family laws.

Dad-of-four Chris Tompson, from Ashton, who has family links in Oldham, is still involved in a dispute with his former partner, the county court and social services over access to see his children and the process under which family-law decisions have been made.

Mr Tompson has two older children aged 19 and 20, but has no contact with his younger two — aged six and eight.

In March, last year, he was banned for five years from applying to see them.

He said: “Four millions kids will be without a father this Christmas. I’ll spend Christmas Day on my own.

“I didn’t bother putting up decorations. I won’t be having Christmas dinner.

“I’m not going to see my family because I’m grieving. I’ve been grieving for two to three years. My children live five miles away but they might as well live on Mars.

“I never even met my dad. I see what happens when children are brought up without two parents.”

Throughout the year, Mr Tompson (39), a self-employed removal worker, has led a series of demonstrations across the country with his group, UK Parents Protesting, to highlight his cause.