A FATHER from Derbyshire dressed as Batman has demanded a more transparent legal system from Justice Secretary Ken Clarke.

The dad, a member of the campaign group New Fathers 4 Justice, staged a demonstration outside the MP's home in West Bridgford, Nottingham.

Garry Roe, of Heanor, spoke to Mr Clarke while another father filmed the conversation.

Mr Roe, who attended the demonstration with his two-year-old daughter, Ruby, demanded equal rights for fathers and public and press access to family courts.

He said: "If it was a lot more open, people could see that the courts are biased towards the mothers.

"When things involving kids go to crown court or magistrates' court they are open, so why not the family courts?"

Mr Clarke responded by saying that fathers do have equal rights, and it is up for courts to decide what is in the interests of children.

He told Mr Roe: "Sometimes the judge or whoever is deciding, the registrar, has a good reason for depriving the father of access.

"Sometimes, the more usual problem is that there is a tremendous row between ex-partners. The law does not find that easy to sort out."

On access to family courts, Mr Clarke said: "I'm cautious about names and identities because, you know, there is a section of the press that just wants some good social scandal."

He added: "With the judges I'm beginning to encounter we are going to have to talk about what can be done without playing to the worst end of the red tops who just want to get scandals about the children's services."

Under the Family Proceedings Rules 1991, child cases involving residents, or contact orders in the High Court or county court must be heard in private unless the court otherwise directs.

Either side can apply for an open hearing or for judgement to be given in public.