A FATHERS 4 Justice campaigner has appeared in court under anti-terrorism laws for posting talcum powder to a government organisation.

Martin Matthews, 43, of Middlemead Road, Bookham, appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday.

He was charged under the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 for sending a nappy full of talcum powder to the Child Support Agency in Clearbrook House, Plymouth, in May.

Mr Matthews, who told the court his name was General Good Shafting II, faced a charge of sending noxious materials.

In an exclusive interview with the Advertiser, Mr Matthews, who has a 13-year-old son, says he sent the package to make a protest to the Child Support Agency over the way he was treated by them over unpaid child maintenance.

"It was funny, humorous and I don't think I have done anything wrong. It is my satirical sense of humour, as far as I'm concerned," he said.

Of the charge, for which he could serve time in prison, he added: "From where I was sitting, I had to keep a straight face but I found it difficult because I think it is really, really funny.

"It is a complete overreaction and it doesn't matter which way you look at it – it is funny. I can't show any remorse because it wasn't meant to be harmful.

"If they want to make an example out of me and imprison me, then I have got to pay some price for my actions.

"Sending me to prison and trying to rehabilitate me won't help, but it does help the Child Support Agency to reflect on the way they speak to people."

He says that, although he owes more than £3,000 in child maintenance, which he has started to pay back, he has always supported his son.

As a member of the fathers' rights campaign group, he criticises the way in which the Child Support Agency operates.

"If my son needs something and tells me about it, I will provide it. My son is my pride and joy and so I provide it immediately – that is the way it works.

"Whether it is right or wrong, that's up to other people, but that's what I do.

"We do care about our children and they must try and understand that, because as fathers we try and do our best.

"Their definitions and our definitions are hugely different," he said.

On Friday Mr Matthews' defence lawyer asked the court for a hearing called a "read-through committal", with a view to having the case dismissed, and Mr Matthews is due to appear at the South Western Magistrates' Court, Battersea, on December 1.