Leap man's ex-wife 'shields girl'

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The ex-wife of a Bristol man who jumped from a balcony with their two children has said she will fight to defend their daughter from his "unwanted intrusion".

John Hogan is due home after he was freed from a Greek psychiatric unit.

He killed son Liam, six, when jumping from a Crete hotel balcony. Daughter Mia, then two years old, survived.

A statement from the family of his former wife Natasha Visser said: "No mother would allow contact between a killer and his intended victim."

Liam died of head injuries but Mr Hogan and Mia survived with broken limbs after the plunge on 15 August 2006.

Mr Hogan, 36, has been receiving treatment in a psychiatric hospital in Athens since he was cleared last year of murder.

Why should she live as a fugitive in the future, to ensure Mia's safety? Statement on behalf of Mr Hogan's ex-wife Natasha Visser

He has reportedly spoken of his desire to be reunited with Mia, who lives with her mother in Australia.

Mr Hogan says he has kept a diary to give to Mia when she is older to explain the tragic events.

Brian Chandler, the stepfather of Ms Visser, issued a statement saying that the family had "great apprehension, but not surprise" at Mr Hogan's wish to contact Mia.

"This is precisely what we have been afraid of, and he clearly has no idea how much damage and distress he has already caused to so many people's lives throughout two families," the statement said.

Liam Hogan died and his sister was badly injured in the fall

"Liam did not deserve to die at age six and neither did Mia deserve the ongoing traumatic nightmares and the deep sense of loss for her loving brother that she has endured.

"Liam's rights are never forgotten by Natasha or her family, and Mia will be protected from unwanted intrusion by her father for as long as we think necessary," the statement continued.

"No mother would allow contact between a killer and his intended victim.

"Why should she live as a fugitive in the future, to ensure Mia's safety?"

Mr Hogan was found not guilty of murder on psychiatric grounds in January last year after a Crete court upheld his defence that he had suffered an "earthquake of psychosis".

The Crown Prosecution Service has said no action will be taken against him in Britain.