A HUDDERSFIELD father has spoken of the battle he faces just to see his much-loved daughter.
The 30-year-old has not seen his daughter since mid-October and says the £5,000 he has paid in legal fees has got him nowhere.
He described his four-year-old as “the sweetest little girl” and vowed to continue the fight to see her.
The father, who we are not legally allowed to identity, said: “I have been fighting this for so long, but I won’t ever give up because I want to see my little girl.
“While she is being kept away I wonder if she thinks we have abandoned her or if we don’t love her?
“I am facing an uphill battle, but I will never give up. Even if it takes me two or three years – or longer – I will keep fighting because I love my daughter and that love just cannot go away.”
The self-employed businessman split up with his partner three years ago and used to see the little girl weekly.
But his former partner then refused him access and the lengthy wait in the court system has left him without access.
Delays to the case have also been made because his former partner has changed solicitors several times.
The father added: “It is so sad that many men out there cannot see their children and those children cannot see their dads.
“I know of people who have spent up to £15,000 trying to get access to see their children.
“The court system is against the dad from the outset. I spent £5,000, but I haven’t got anything for my money. But I will not give up.’’
The businessman is now planning to represent himself in court in the hope of taking the case forward and getting access.
He added: “No-one can represent my love for my child better than me.
“So many dads would give up fighting it because they either can’t afford it or because of the situation they are put in.
“It is a sad state of affairs, but I would say to any father to keep going, get the confidence, represent yourself if you have to.
“But don’t stop, because one day you will see your child again.”
