The father's view: Claire's ex-husband's side of the story

[Alison J Stevens]

The father's view: Claire's ex-husband's side of the story

It's hard not to feel sympathy for Claire's plight. Unless, perhaps, you are the aggrieved party across the Atlantic.

"I don't have any pity for her," says Patrick's US attorney, Michael E Damico, speaking on his client's behalf.

Claire fears she may not see her children for an awfully long time. Not true, corrects the formidable Mr Damico.

"She may never see her children again. That's her decision to make, quite frankly.

"My client didn't take her children away from her," he says. "She did that to herself.

The fact that Claire's mum and dad are not allowed to see their grandchildren elicits little concern.

"Her parents helped her with this illegal action. They didn't help to get those children returned. They are part of the problem also," says Mr Damico.

"The time they spent with their grandchildren was illegal time.

"Who knows what information they fed to those children while they were in the UK about how bad their daddy was?"

The domestic violence allegations against his client were totally unfounded, claims the attorney. The court restraining orders were never made permanent.

Claire could not convince the judge on a 51 per cent "preponderance of the evidence" she was being mistreated.

"Fact!" says Mr Damico. "I think my client was angry... and I am sure he will carry a bit of a grudge.

"He's doing what he has to do as a father to do the best possible to make sure his children are not scarred for life as a result of her actions."

Claire counters: "Does he think I'm having a free and easy life? I'm not. I'm in bits.

"I love my kids. My kids love me. We want to be together."