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David Scott with girlfriend Cynthia and baby Janina

A WALCOT man who fled the Philippines in a dramatic bid to stop his baby daughter being taken from him, has spoken out to answer his critics.

A recent news story about David Scott, who faces a seven-year jail sentence for adultery after fathering a child with his Filipino girlfriend, caused much debate.

Many have been critical of David's actions, saying he should have respected the laws of the country he was living in.

Now David has spoken out from Bangkok, where he fled with his girlfriend Cynthia and baby daughter Janina, to set the record straight.

He said: "I would like to say that when I began my relationship with Cynthia her relationship with her husband had long since broken up.

"And, while adultery is illegal in the Philippines, actions are very rarely taken, and almost never against the men in these marriages.

"The husband had actually asked for an annulment himself as he was in another relationship.

"Sadly the husband in the case decided it was an opportunity to make money because, I believe, he thought I was a rich foreigner, and so he submitted a claim firstly for £7,000, and now £30,000.

"I believe payments were made to officials to have us arrested.

"Because we have a baby daughter born and being brought up in a loving relationship it would be difficult to defend ourselves, and we both faced jail, with the horrific thought that our daughter would be handed over to Cynthia's estranged husband under the country's law.

"I am sure if I was a Filipino this would never had made the courts."

The couple sought help at the British Embassy in Manila, as well as from human rights officials, who advised them to leave.

He said: "In doing so, very large amounts of cash were demanded - illegally - for the proper and legal documentation.

"We were not fleeing justice. We want justice for our baby. We were fleeing corruption."

David said it was not the case that he was being prevented from returning to his home by the UK Government.

He said: "I am British. I believe in the British sense of fair play.

"Cynthia and I have not criticised the British Foreign Office, but my mum has jumped the gun a little in saying we are being prevented from going back to the UK.

"My mum is at her wits' end and cries when she sees Janina on web cam and wants to hold her as soon as possible.

"We are in Bangkok where we are putting together all the paperwork to satisfy the authorities.

"This includes DNA testing of myself and my new family. It has been a nightmare, but I cannot desert the woman I love and the daughter I love.

"We hope the British Government has a heart and looks on our case sympathetically.

"I would especially like to thank my relatives and friends in Swindon, and the support of the local newspaper and MPs."

9:04am Friday 9th May 2008

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