Bridge protest man 'just wants his kids'

A man who caused the closure of the Harbour Bridge when he climbed on top of it in a dramatic protest had been "going berserk" because he was being denied access to his children, a friend says.

The 38-year-old man, who called himself Michael, was a former SAS soldier, one friend said.
His protest caused the closure of all traffic lanes, and rail and bus services across the bridge on Friday morning.

His friend and neighbour, Dell, said Michael had three children and was desperate to see them.
"I've seen him with his little kids and they love him to bits," she told Fairfax Radio.
"My grandchildren play with them and he has had dramas and he's been denied to see his children since January.

"I hate seeing him portrayed as this idiot because he loves those kids and they've had them in protective custody and they didn't even tell him where they were and I've seen him going berserk."

Dell also said Michael was a former SAS soldier who had served in Iraq.

Another friend, Bob, said all Michael wanted was to see his children.

"This poor man suffered so much," he told Fairfax Radio Network.

Police arrested the man at 7am (AEST) and re-opened the bridge.

He had reportedly parked his truck near a pylon on the bridge and used ropes to make his climb.
When at the top he unfurled two pink and white banners reading, "plz help my kids" and "kids first".

He was being questioned on Friday morning by police, who said they expected to lay charges.

ninemsn.com.au 13 May 2011

Another typical example of a desperate (male) parent.

An interview held by corpau with legal practitioners and personnel in the family law system, indicated that the family law system is anti male by default.

A female can claim 'abuse' and obtain an intervention / restraining order against the father of her children, and it could be the last time the father and children see each other.

The tragedy of this is that the legal system supports this once again, to the detriment of the community, the well being of the parents and the mental state of the child.

Although the 'official' stance with respect to the family law is to work 'for the best interest of the child', the actions of the authorities are the very exact opposite.