Newbury Chronicle 15th Sept. 2004
FATHERS 4 Justice has managed a first with hunger striker John Brown, in as much that Newbury MP David Rendel has agreed to chair a meeting between F4J, John, the Child Support Agency (CSA) and the Appeals Service this Friday.
Michael Ellis, the Thames Valley co-ordinator for F4J, said: "I could see that it was pointless sending out yet more letters.
"John has been doing this for eight years and getting nowhere and so, I suggested to David that he chairs a meeting with key decision-makers from the CSA and the Appeal Service. We did not want lackies.
"While I welcome the setting up of the meeting, both myself and FU are highly sceptical as to how the agencies regard the outcome.
"John is in his eighth week of hunger strike and frankly time is not now on his side. He may soon become another statistic of the 50 or so fathers that commit suicide each year because they do not receive fair treatment from the CSA. I am deeply concerned."
Last week John had spoken to Newbury & Thatcham Chronicle reporter Paul Bishop about his protest.
• FOR eight years John has fought with the CSA over the amount of money he owes them, leading to appeal after appeal.
Now he has decided to continue his battle in another way - by going on hunger strike.
Despite fears for his health John is determined to continue his protest against the organisation he says has 'ruined my life'.
It is more than 50 days since the strike started and John has lost nearly three stone off his original 151,4 stone in weight.
He sat in the office of the Newbury & Thatcharn Chronicle sipping a bottle of water as he explained the way the appeal process works 'in favour of the CSA.
His diet consists of soya milk, water and half a bottle of wine and despite looking a bit tired John still seemed relatively healthy.
But his skin is getting thinner and his short term memory is starting to 'play tricks'.
"I feel fine for three or four hours of the day and then I get tired," he said. "I sleep for about 12 to 14 hours a day - it's gradually getting longer."
John said he had tried to talk to the CSA for years. It alleges John owes £22.000 while he claims the figure is £14,000.
"If the CSA can't remain in control it won't communicate," he said. "It's like what a small child would do.
"They are costing the taxpayer an absolute fortune - all these appeals are really unnecessary. I think they just pluck some of these figures out of the air."
John said in the past eight years he had given between £38,000 - £40,000 toward his daughter's upkeep including money for his former partner's mortgage. presents, gifts and school fees.
"I know I'm not the only father that has suffered from this kind of thing but I want to make a stand," he added.
"It's not just the CSA but the judicial process. It's like the CSA can manipulate the process and the system. They have destroyed my ability to earn.
John's daughter now lives in London with his former partner and he has not seen her for rive years.
"It's something that I have grieved about and something I have to work through." he said. "I write to her and send her money and presents.
"What I just can't be doing is writing another letter to the CSA and have this carry on for another three or four years.
"Hopefully some good will come of the hunger strike and the truth will finally be established In one way & another."
A spokesman for the CSA said it was not prepared to discuss individual cases.
Mr. Brown is not and has not been on hunger strike.I saw Mr. Brown on 27 September. He has lost no weight since January, he showed no signs of weakness.He was discharged from hospital on the 30th. day of his 'hunger strike'
Mr. Brown avoids appeals.
Mr. Brown chose not to see his daughter.
Mr. Brown has paid £606.62 in child support in eight years.
The tax payer has paid £5,600.00
Mr. Brown has not paid anything towards his former partner's mortgage.
Mr. Brown pays nothing towards his daughter's upkeep or housing.
The court ordered Mr. Brown to pay one terms school fees.
Posted by: mother | October 08, 2004 at 04:26 PM
Mr. Brown is not and has not been on hunger strike.I saw Mr. Brown on 27 September. He has lost no weight since January, he showed no signs of weakness.He was discharged from hospital on the 30th. day of his 'hunger strike'
Mr. Brown avoids appeals.
Mr. Brown chose not to see his daughter.
Mr. Brown has paid £606.62 in child support in eight years.
The tax payer has paid £5,600.00
Mr. Brown has not paid anything towards his former partner's mortgage.
Mr. Brown pays nothing towards his daughter's upkeep or housing.
The court ordered Mr. Brown to pay one terms school fees.
Posted by: mother | October 08, 2004 at 04:26 PM
hello f4j i am with yous as i have the csa om my back but i will never give out money to my girl as i dont get to see her so the money will only go to her mum and thats a no go for me so it looks as if i will go to jail but thats good i will have food and a house well a box to live in all the best f4j
Posted by: john doc | June 29, 2011 at 01:07 PM