Kelly egg thrower to be sentenced

A fathers' rights campaigner who smashed an egg over the head of Cabinet Minister Ruth Kelly is due to be sentenced.

Michael Downes, 44, pleaded guilty to common assault by beating last month at Trafford Magistrates' Court after the egg attack on the then Education Secretary.

Downes, a painter and decorator from Wythenshawe, attacked the minister outside Salford Magistrates' Court on February 6.

Ms Kelly was at the court in relation to a previous Fathers for Justice incident where one protester had tried to handcuff himself to her.

As she left Downes appeared from a side-street, approached the minister and smashed an egg over her head. He was then arrested.

The court heard Downes has previously egged Prime Minister Tony Blair's car and caused disruption by scaling public buildings dressed as Batman and Santa Claus.

Downes was bailed for the preparation of pre-sentence reports but warned at his last court appearance, he could face a custodial sentence.

He will appear before magistrates later on Tuesday.