Bridge protest man 'just wants his kids'
Fri May 13 2011
A man who caused the closure of the Harbour Bridge when he climbed on top of it in a dramatic protest had been "going berserk" because he was being denied access to his children, a friend says.
The 38-year-old man, who called himself Michael, was a former SAS soldier, one friend said.
His protest caused the closure of all traffic lanes, and rail and bus services across the bridge on Friday morning.
His friend and neighbour, Dell, said Michael had three children and was desperate to see them.
"I've seen him with his little kids and they love him to bits," she told Fairfax Radio.
"My grandchildren play with them and he has had dramas and he's been denied to see his children since January.
"I hate seeing him portrayed as this idiot because he loves those kids and they've had them in protective custody and they didn't even tell him where they were and I've seen him going berserk."
Dell also said Michael was a former SAS soldier who had served in Iraq.
Another friend, Bob, said all Michael wanted was to see his children.
"This poor man suffered so much," he told Fairfax Radio Network.
Police arrested the man at 7am (AEST) and re-opened the bridge.
He had reportedly parked his truck near a pylon on the bridge and used ropes to make his climb.
When at the top he unfurled two pink and white banners reading, "plz help my kids" and "kids first".
He was being questioned on Friday morning by police, who said they expected to lay charges.