A fathers' rights campaigner who smashed an egg over the head of Cabinet Minister Ruth Kelly yesterday escaped jail and was given a community punishment order.
Michael Downes (44) attacked Miss Kelly with an egg in February outside Salford Magistrates' Court as part of his campaigning for the Real Fathers For Justice.
He admitted common assault by beating last month and was yesterday sentenced at Trafford Magistrates' Court to a community order and five-year anti-social behaviour order.
Mr Downes said: "I think common sense prevailed."
Father-of-three Downes, a painter and decorator from Wythenshawe, was ordered to pay Miss Kelly £75 compensation and £500 costs.
He will be supervised in the community for two years and must do 190 hours' unpaid work.
John Perris, prosecuting, said Miss Kelly was left shocked and with a "sensitive scalp" after the February 6 attack.
The court heard he had previously egged Prime Minister Tony Blair's car and caused disruption by scaling public buildings dressed as Santa Claus and Batman.
He has received fines, a conditional discharge and other community sentences for five previous offences as a campaigner.
Aoife Ryan, mitigating, said: "Mr Downes has told his probation officer he has no more intention of direct involvement in action."
The Asbo order, until 2011, prohibits him from entering or remaining in a public building for which members of the public have no permission, climbing any structures over one metre in height without permission or through work and placing banners or posters or signs on public structures.
Outside court Downes and 30 supporters were unrepentant, ripping up his Asbo.
"I think it stands for A Silly Bloody Order," he said. "I am proud of what I have done. I think we need to be a bit more controversial, more confrontational.
"I will still be fighting for the rights of fathers. Today I have escaped prison as a political prisoner for standing up against this feminist Labour Government for the rights of children and their fathers to have a relationship."
