Baby Caitlin already on way to Wales, says father

Stephen Jelicich said today his daughter Caitlin is already out of the country following a court ruling yesterday that she should return to Wales.

The Family Court yesterday granted an application by Caitlin's mother, Diane Jelicich, to take the child back to Wales and let a British court decide on custody.

Mr Jelicich today said he was told last night that Mrs Jelicich and nine-month-old Caitlin had flown out just hours after the verdict was delivered.

The Auckland man said he felt "gutted" on hearing the news.

"I felt so empty," he said. "I didn't even get to say goodbye to my daughter. They just disappeared with her."

- NZPA