Mark Harris jailed

Mark Harris has been imprisoned twice for have contact with his children, when a judge had ordered him not to have such contact.

Photograph of Mark on right. We don't agree with his placard. We know they are more than just corrupt. They are :

corrupt,
degenerate,
and out of control of any responsible competent authority

as we describe elsewhere on this website.

Below we give some details of Mark's treatment.

Please support his campaigning - see 'events' on our home page.

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IN THE HIGH COURT IN LONDON YESTERDAY , a loving & devoted dad was JAILED FOR 10 MONTHS for trying to remain a parent to his three daughters (10, 11 & 14).

Mark (36) came into contact with EQUAL PARENTING COUNCIL a couple of years ago and I've kept in touch with him and his case ever since. He's a driving instructor from Plymouth - a thoroughly nice, down to earth bloke, who just loves his children to bits, and (like all of us) doesn't understand why the family courts have failed to stop his ex wife's determined efforts to exclude him for his daughters' lives FOR NO GOOD REASON.

Mark was jailed for 10 months and fined �500 for contempt of court, because he did the following:

These terrible actions were found to be in defiance of court orders and justified Mark being immediately removed from the court in handcuffs.

Judge Munby said that, in sentencing Mark, he had taken account of the fact that none of the breaches involved any violence or threats of violence. He said he had also considered the fact that all these actions were motivated by Mark's desire to re-establish his parenting relationship with his daughters.

It was accepted that there was no evidence of any harm being caused by any of these breaches of various court orders.

I would add that, previously, Munby had commented that, with all these orders and injunctions which had accumulated over time, their effect was difficult even for lawyers to decipher, let alone someone trying to represent themselves in court. (Mark has mainly represented himself for financial reasons, while the mother has run up hundreds of thousands of pounds on Legal Aid.) Munby conveniently forgot this when he sent Mark down yesterday for 10 months for failing to obey the various orders.

He said that Mark's worst punishment was self inflicted, because these actions (and his "other antics which did not involve contempt" of court) meant that his children now wanted to have nothing whatever to do with him. Munby called this Mark's sheer "stupidity".

Well, just who is the stupid one here? Mark is a man who has tried everything within his power to overcome the poisoning of his children's minds against him. He is a loving, devoted father (Munby's own words from previous day's Judgment), a decent, hardworking man who simply can't understand why the State would support this amoral behaviour. How is he supposed to re-build his relationship with children he can never see or contact!?

It is the State and this Judge who are teaching these children to hate their father and to treat his attempts to see them with utter contempt. Now this Judge has made him into a convict. Yet these same courts routinely say that they can't jail mothers for breaching contact orders with impunity, because jailing the mother would not be in the best interests of the children. But jailing the father for trivialities is perfectly acceptable!?

Mark has led a number of protests outside Judges' houses, supported by many other separated parents who have also been excluded from their children's lives for no good reason. More are planned. These protests have been hitting home and the judges want them to stop. So, in my view, they decided to imprison the ringleader for 10 months - it's as simple and disgraceful as that!

Of course, most separated parents in Mark's position give up because it's virtually impossible to get anywhere through the courts, who continue to show no interest in promoting shared parenting, as Parliament wanted. Family court judges are in contempt of Parliament - they treat public opinion with contempt every day.

Had Mark given up and abandoned his children, and then tried to pick up with them a year or so later, the courts would have said his relationship could not be re-established with them because he had not made any effort to keep in touch! As a parent who can't live with your children, you are damned if you do, and damned if you don't!

Immediately before the jailing of Mark, I had lunch with him. His lawyers were not expecting him to be jailed, but he was clearly a bit frightened and apprehensive. He told me that if he was sent to jail, he would go on an immediate TOTAL HUNGER STRIKE - no food or liquid - and he would commit suicide at the first opportunity. I pray that will not happen, although I can understand the despair Mark must be feeling.

I hope the Authorities will act swiftly to correct Munby's Madness, before Mark's children suffer an irrevocable blow that could have an appalling impact on the rest of their lives.

I would also hope that Munby will not be allowed to have any further involvement in this, probably the worst British access case in history. It has been going on for many years and Munby was supposed to sort it out. Instead, he has made a bad situation far worse.

Although the children, post divorce, had enjoyed good "contact" with their dad, that contact was allowed to dwindle to nothing because the courts failed to support the children's right to both parents. Munby followed the usual line British courts take, of ordering the status quo - ie. no contact, save that he may send Christmas cards, birthday cards, and a summer postcard.

Munby's rambling Judgment (the day before the committal) is flawed in many respects. He placed reliance on an Expert witness he found to be deceitful, omitted important facts which supported Mark's case, and displayed bias and a total lack of understanding of the dynamics involved in a high conflict children case.

Assuming Mark stays alive, I have not the slightest doubt that Munby will be appealed and that ultimately this case will come before the European Court of Human Rights.

I was accompanied in court yesterday by two of my oldest and best friends who were both utterly stunned by what they saw. One is visiting from the USA, and I must say I felt ashamed of Judge Munby's brutal display of power and total lack of compassion. In common with most people who have had direct experience of the British family court system, my faith in British "Justice" has reached rock bottom. No doubt Judge Munby would call me stupid too!

Tony Coe, President, EQUAL PARENTING COUNCIL Speaking Out for Children of Broken Homes Direct Line 020 7590 2701 - mobile: 07768 366 100 Information Line: 020 7590 2709 - Email: [email protected] "Children need BOTH Parents!" www.EqualParenting.org

Headquarters: 38-40 Gloucester Road, Kensington, London, SW7 4QU PROUDLY AFFILIATED TO CHILDREN'S RIGHTS COUNCIL OF USA

He phoned her today. He is on a TOTAL HUNGER STRIKE - no food or liquids. He has pledged to take his own life as soon as an opportunity presents itself. Without liquids, his condition will become critical within a short time. We must urge him to fight on.

Mark is in Pentonville Prison 020 7607 5353. His imprisonment on Friday for simply trying to be a parent to his 3 daughters is the most shocking thing I've ever witnessed. This jailing for utterly trivial matters must be unprecedented - before you even start to examine the appalling mess the courts have made of this case. It must be the subject of public debate.

Surely this sort of decision should be referred to a jury, who would NEVER send a dad to prison for trying to see his children!

His MP is Gary Streeter. A number of outraged parents have already written to him.

I shall be shaming the British Government/Judiciary at my presentation to the Children's Rights Council in Washington DC in early May, where this case shall be my centre-piece.

Headquarters: 38-40 Gloucester Road, Kensington, London, SW7 4QU PROUDLY AFFILIATED TO CHILDREN'S RIGHTS COUNCIL OF USA

As at 5:30 pm on Monday March 26 here is an update on Mark Harris of Plymouth. I've spoken to Mark in prison this afternoon. His address is:

Mark is extremely grateful for the messages of support he has received from all over the country - and indeed from all over the world. Please do send cards/ messages to him.

He is on a total hunger strike (no food or liquids). His condition will soon start to deteriorate rapidly if he can't be persuaded to drink or eat. The Official Solicitor should be taking an interest in his condition.

Indeed, as a civil prisoner, under the 1952 Prison Act, I'm told he is supposed to be kept separately from the criminal inmates. REQUEST DENIED. They can, however, send a dad to prison for utterly trivial matters, which were aimed at restoring his relationship with his children. I've not the slightest doubt that this was pure retribution for his protests outside judges' houses.

Headquarters: 38-40 Gloucester Road, Kensington, London, SW7 4QU PROUDLY AFFILIATED TO CHILDREN'S RIGHTS COUNCIL OF USA

Mark Harris, the dad jailed for 10 months for trying to remain a parent to his 3 daughters, called me from Pentonville prison this morning.

His cellmate (24) tried to hang himself last night. He has tried numerous times before.

As a civil prison - jailed for contempt - under the Prison Act 1952 Mark is supposed to be kept separate from the criminal inmates. This has been denied.

Headquarters: 38-40 Gloucester Road, Kensington, London, SW7 4QU PROUDLY AFFILIATED TO CHILDREN'S RIGHTS COUNCIL OF USA

Paul Duffield came to see me earlier this afternoon after visiting Mark in Pentonville. Sorry that you had to wait for the news but after he left I had to go out to post my boys cards, more important than anything else in my life, so I've decided to chance taking out my motorbike for the first time in seven months. I was scared s*"*less to start with but, oh joy of freedom of movement again. Sorry, back to Mark.

Mark seems to be OK, under the circumstances, if any of you are thinking about going to see him, you cannot actually take anything to give to him, not allowed. You can, however, send him more or less anything you want, short of semtex, guns or any other contraband, but what he probably needs most is money to buy stamps (if you write please enclose a SAE, stamped of course and he'll try to answer all the mail), etc. Paul had a good chat with him and, as far as possible has done everything to try to dissuade him from continuing his hunger strike. Only time will tell. If Marks brother isn't able to go and see him tomorrow than I'll be going, with Marks mum, and hopefully between us we might get somewhere. Let's hope for the best. Let you know more as soon as there is any news. In the meantime, keep the pressure on.

I visited Mark in Prison today. It was his first visit from anyone. He was really, really pleased when he heard details about the levels of support that he had. Letters take forever to get to him and he has only had a couple so far which were posted on Friday straight away or faxed to the prison (they don't like it but what the heck).

Mark was unshaven, (no razors allowed etc) in prison clothing (ironically enough a "purpley" sort of coloured clothing like a sweat shirt and bottoms ! :-) ) He has lost already a lot of weight with his face already a bit drawn looking and very dry lips with caking on them due to lack of fluids. I was shocked to see what the system had done to him in a very short time. I think the drawn look was due to lack of fluids more than lack of food. In a weak moment yesterday he had a few sips of water when his mouth hurt but is now back to nothing. He's in the hospital wing. I have presented Mark with a few facts about Hunger Strikes and why his won't necessarily work. Also why he should stay alive, for his family - all of them. Mark has promised to consider tonight my proposed "deal" with him if he breaks the strike (can't say what at the moment). He will sleep on it tonight and consider it, he promised and I believe he will. He will also listen to his mother who is visiting tommorrow. Mark is a fighter that has taken a bit of a body blow but I think if he can get over the winded bit he will come back even stronger to the detriment of those that deprive kids of their parents. He will be to the benefit too to not just his own kids but ours and countless other children. If you're religeous - pray for him tonight. If you're not still pray or at least keep your fingers and legs crossed !

We all know the arguments about such strikes which have been debated here recently and "even" (thank goodness) Len has come round to realising that its not us that should suffer. Len is now going to be a big pain in the butt for some people :-) - but he does make a good cuppa .

So assuming Mark can be persuaded to come off hunger strike for the sake of his family and believe me I serioiusly think I "kicked" some sense into the stubborn si n so today about such things (much easier in person than by email), what can be done to help ? What were Marks needs?

Firstly, it looks like Marks Job has gone as a driving instructor with the AA. Mark has asked and I will try to sort that out and get a suspension for Mark by approaching them direct on Monday. I may need some lobbying help but wait for some feedback.

His new girlfreind looks like she may have gone too. To be fair we don't know yet, but no contact as of yet. Anyone know any nice ladies out there YF&S ?

Mark has a house. I won't for Marks sake tell you his arrangements in detail on that, but in esscence if we can muster together as a group about 150 or so a month it will keep things at bay until he gets out. There are a few other bibs and bobs but anything extra we can raise could go on those so that he's not bogged down when he comes out.

Oh and a 500 fine I think it was. Suggest we look after the house bit and bibs and bobs first and see how much more we can do from there if it doesn't get set aside ?

I took printed emails of support in to Mark but they wouldn't let me give them to him. (Stupid system but more on that tommorrow/Monday) To put that in context I was printing out for ages and took in half a ream of A4 sheets ! It cost me a fortune to subsequently envelope them up and put them in the post ! Well done for to those who wrote - keep on writing and those that haven't pen and paper will suffice if you pc is broken. I relayed the content of a few to him but he is looking forward to now getting them in the post.

If you write includ a self addressed envelope and a stamp on it please, or if overseas send it in with an self addressed envelope but no stamp and we/I will post the replies back to you from a UK address. Mark wants to write to everyone individually with a reply. No blank evelopes with stamps on they won't be allowed. (Ever get the impression the system sucks ? I almost feel sorry for some of the criminals and thier families )

Press have indeed been in contact with Mark, but for some "unknown reason" are not or possibly cannot publish the story. (Any ideas why this might be Len ... ? Surely not an even worse publicity injunction than the one that you received ? ha ha ha no no not humanly possible of course... )

I asked Mark if he would like papers etc he said yes. There was only one choice he had. the Daily Mail ! :-) A very good choice at that, within the very very serious constraints they have at the moment on this they have some wonderful journalists (- lady ones, for all you sceptics out there...) I have already set up and paid for this for a month initially and will keep it going for Mark for the duration of his hopefully short stay. If he stays an angel inside he could be out in 5 months if legal moves don't do it sooner. (forget the hacksaws and helicopters I could hardly get in, let alone out.)

There are some moves going on legally about all this and I won't jeopdise anything at the moment suffice to say lots is being done. The pressure from those of you who read this really is working - KEEP IT UP !!!! can't emphasize the importance of this enough. It is working although you can't see it at the moment. Get your friends to write, family to write, To Munby the press the LCD and Mark's own MP who has now a letter from his constituent - Mark himself.

We had to get through a lot in a short amount of time. Mark was although physically drained still in fighting spirit I must admit I played on this a bit and told him how could he fight if he's dead. He's to good to loose to a stupid judge who has apparently only been in post for a couple of months if the information on him is correct. I hope Marks Mum will be able to finish what I started today.

Mark could do with a small amount of Money as previously mentioned being paid to the Governor - see my previous mail. This definitely buys a few comforts inside which is not, as far as I saw and heard, a very nice place to be (all you would be criminals out there take note :-) )

Marks cell mate tried to hang himself which shocked Mark somewhat. He has witnessed two very violent and bloody fights, Drugs are commonplace and the prison should be ashamed of itself how they turn a blind eye to the extent of it. Bullying is rife. Mark has requested his right to be kept separate as a civil prisoner and this has been declined. He has requested access to the Official Solicitor and the form for this and has not been given them. There was another form that he requested but I can't remember it at present but that wasn't supplied either. Legal Aid has been applied for but they are dragging their feet. The prison guards and other prisoners can't believe the order that Mark has now that got him committed. No one belived him until he proved it. More on that soon.

What else can we do ? Message from Mark "Get to the demos comming up" Keep on at em. Make the most of my being here not as a Martar but if you can use this to raise the profile of all our problems then don't let my time in here, or death, go to waste. (see you tommorrow by the way at the demo ) I am leaving from Kent Nr Gravesend at 6 p.m. in a clapped out old Van that does 40mph max if anyone wants a lift email me by 6.30 a.m. (long story but basically don't pick up the new car till Monday)

Mark doesn't need a radio by the way and will continue wearing prison clothes until he dies or is persuaded to end his strike. Makes them more washing he informs me - at a boy Mark ! :-)

Mark is it appears allowed a type writer but only a manual one. He hasn't requested it and I forgot to ask him, but does anyone have a half decent one lying around ?

If anyone wants to visit don't forget you need to take specific ID passport, driving licence - check for full list (not letters), book a day or more in advance, Up to three people in a visiting party at any one time. visits are for half an hour. arrive half an hour early or more ( papers to fill, search, etc ) take a 1 coin for a locker for your pocket contents etc etc.

Just by chance at the visitor centre outside... a lady (volunteer I believe) that helps run it there is doing a 4,000 word essay... " The after effects of divorce on men" she was very helpful to me and although I can't remember her name; if anyone with extra time after writing to Mark and on behalf of Mark would like to send a friendly informative (nicely - she's on our side !) letter to "The lady writing the essay on men and divorce " The visitor centre, HMP pentonville ... you know the rest and I don't have it to hand. If the essay is good perhaps ManKind and EPC Livebeat Dads and such like would publish it on the web for her and other viewers.

Thanks Len for the cup of tea this afternoon on the way out of London - much needed and appreciated.

I may have missed a few details in the above, and made some typos etc but if so I will re read Sunday / Monday and correct as I am somewhat shattered at the moment, as I was up at 5 a.m., to get down from Harwich for 9.30 at the prison, and its now midnight in Kent, and I have to be up at 5.45 a.m., and drive that Poxy van for five hours there.... and then back again, but guess what? it's all worth it. Martar to the cause - No - Ask Mark - he'd love to be driving there for all of us tommorrow... I hope one day soon he will be.

In Marks own words "Keep on at em"..."Make the most of it"... Let's not let him or ourselves and most importantly our kids down whilst we have the chance and Mark prepared to pay a price.

I am pleased to notify everyone that Mark called me this morning (Sunday) in fighting spirit. He has been inspired by the support he has received from you all and from all round the world.

As a result of this, Paul Duffield's visit, and Mark's mum's appeal to him, Mark has stopped his hunger strike and has vowed to fight instead.

He was delighted and relieved to hear that the protests were ongoing with renewed vigour as a result of the outrage at his imprisonment.

Headquarters: 38-40 Gloucester Road, Kensington, London, SW7 4QU PROUDLY AFFILIATED TO CHILDREN'S RIGHTS COUNCIL OF USA

Mark did at least have some justice when the Police compensated him for false arrest, detention and search of his house in December 2000, as this letter shows :