Heacham judge hit by fathers' protest
A JUDGE has spoken out against fathers rights' activists who have published his colleagues' addresses and made threats to protest at their homes.
The Fathers 4 Justice group has included Judge Christopher Grenville Perry's Heacham home on a new list of 150 or so names and addresses sent to newspapers.
Some of those on the list have all their details posted on the high-profile campaign group's website, in a move condemned by Government officials.
West Norfolk-based Judge Peter Jacobs does not work in family law and is not on the list, but has spoken out in support of his colleagues to slam the actions of the group, saying it is putting colleagues, "who are trying to do a difficult job with fairness and integrity", and their families at risk.
Fathers 4 Justice has been responsible for stunts including protestors dressed as Spiderman scaling a crane at Tower Bridge and Batman climbing to The Queen's balcony at Buckingham Palace.
It is campaigning for what it describes as a more open and accountable family court system where fathers get equal access to their children. It says judges on the list can expect similar action to that carried out at the home of Judge David Tyzack, in Farringdon, near Exeter, Devon, last year, when a dad dressed as Santa camped on his roof.
In a letter to the Lynn News Fathers 4 Justice said: "We demand an open transparent family court system and we must enlighten our judicial friends who normally hide behind the secrecy of family courts."
Judge Jacobs said: "To publish the home addresses of circuit judges can be a form of intimidation.
"The very nature of the work circuit judges do means they deal with a large number of serious criminals and other people who can be extremely unstable.
"To publish home addresses obviously increases the risks and it has to be remembered it is not only the judge at risk but he has a wife and children of his own."
Judge Jacobs said unhappy parents must seek answers through appeal systems or Parliament if they feel laws are incorrect.
A Government Judicial Communications Office spokesman said: "There is no justification or public interest served in publishing the home addresses or other private details of judges."
Judge Perry was not available for comment.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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