A mother whose daughter was at
the centre of a tug-of-love custody row today told how she hopes to settle
the dispute amicably and avoid a lengthy court battle.
The husband of Diane Jelicich, a
41-year-old nurse, disappeared with their baby daughter after their
marriage broke down during an extended holiday in New Zealand, where
he was born.
But Stephen Jelicich later himself up and Mrs
Jelicich, from Swansea, south Wales, was reunited with her
10-month-old daughter Caitlin.
And a supporter of Mr Jelicich’s today told the
Press Association how the “loving” father now hopes to live close to
his daughter.
Mrs Jelicich said: “It’s more to do with what is
in Caitlin’s best interests. Dragging it through the courts is not
in Caitlin’s best interests.”
She said the arrangements would be made
“amicably” but added that she did not know exactly what they would
entail until Mr Jelicich arrived in Britain in the coming weeks to
discuss the matter.
Mr and Mrs Jelicich met in an internet chat room
in 2000 and married in 2003.
The couple’s marriage broke down just before
Christmas after they went to New Zealand to meet his
family.
In January, Mr Jelicich went on the run for 10
days after a court initially ruled that Caitlin should return to
Wales with her mother.
A New Zealand court ruled that the custody issue
should be decided in the British courts.
Layton Bevan, founder of a group called Parents
4 Protest, which calls for a fairer legal system for parents of both
sexes, confirmed Mr Jelicich would be arriving in Britain in early
June.
He said: “He will be looking to emigrate. He
will be looking to get accommodation. They both love the baby. Diane
has accepted that he is a caring, loving dad.
“He has taken steps with immigration and he is
looking to get a job. He has got to be close to his
daughter.”
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