A FATHERS' rights campaigner who threw purple flour over a by-election candidate has told a court he regrets his actions.

Paul Watson, who contested the recent Hartlepool by-election for the Fathers 4 Justice group, threw the flour over Liberal Democrat candidate Jody Dunn as she was making a speech, ending up with her leaving the podium in tears.

Watson, 36, from Ashwood Grange, Thornley, County Durham, appeared at Hartlepool Magistrates Court yesterday, where he pleaded guilty to common assault by throwing flour and purple dye.

Norman Lawson, prosecuting, told the court: "As Ms Dunn started to make her speech, the defendant approached her and tipped some purple powder over her head, covering her head, face and clothes, which resulted in damage to her blouse and suit."

The substance, made up of glitter, flour and purple dye, also caused staining to Ms Dunn's hands and hair, the court heard.

In a statement read to the court, Ms Dunn said: "Six days after the incident, my hair and fingers were still stained purple and I have a rash on the side of my neck which was not there before. It resulted in me feeling upset, intimidated and frightened."

Barry Gray, defending, told the court that Watson's actions had not been premeditated and he had gone to the count with the intention of pouring the substance over himself to highlight the organisation's cause.

Mr Gray said: "Mr Watson does wish to publicly state he apologises to Ms Dunn for any embarrassment she has suffered as a result of this incident.

"He did not personally wish her to suffer. His actions on that day were borne out of a firm belief in his cause.

"He went to that meeting that night without any intention of throwing that powder on Jody Dunn.

"The heat of the moment changed his mind and he threw the powder at the nearest possible person. He did not single her out."

Watson, who was North-East co-ordinator of the organisation until recently taking a less prominent role, was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £135 for damage to Ms Dunn's clothing and £150 compensation.