Fugitive mother's plea over daughter

Lindsey Meadows (left) is missing with Emily

A woman who vanished with her four children after a bitter custody battle has said she may consider giving herself up.

Lindsey Meadows, from Colchester, Essex, went on the run 10 weeks ago after a court ordered that her four-year-old daughter, Emily Werb, should live with her father.

Ms Meadows, 40, lost the case brought by her estranged partner Keith Werb, 50, who claimed he was denied access rights to Emily.

Speaking to BBC Five Live, Ms Meadows said she would give herself up if it would help the children but also asked the courts to reconsider the decision against her.

If it would benefit Emily and the children I would give myself up

Lindsey Meadows

She claims Emily's safety would be at risk if she was made to live with her father.

However, Essex Police have investigated claims against Mr Werb and say they have no reason to suspect that the girl would be in danger.

The couple split up four years ago and Emily stayed with Ms Meadows and her three daughters, aged nine, 11 and 12, from a previous marriage.

On Wednesday, Ms Meadows said: "It's not easy at all running away from family and friends.

"But at the same time I feel like I've got no choice because if I'd have stayed in Colchester my daughter would have been dragged away from me by police.

"The children are all happy and healthy and they're eating well.

"I have asked them several times if they would rather go home and they all say no.

"They don't want to go home because they want help to get the situation sorted out so we can go home together.

"I'm thinking about giving myself up and if it would benefit Emily and the children I would give myself up."

Serious allegations

Mr Werb denies allegations about his conduct made by Ms Meadows.

He said: "There have been serious allegations from the mother.

"These have been fully investigated by the police - no action's been taken.

"They've also been addressed by the court and I've been exonerated by the court. The allegations were not accepted.

"I just want her (Ms Meadows) to hand Emily over.

"I'm not seeking retribution against the mother. I have made it perfectly obvious that I have never wanted the mother imprisoned.

No warrant

"She's my daughter's mother, irrespective of what's gone on between us."

Essex Police say they do not know where Ms Meadows and the children are.

They have listed the family as missing persons and have not issued a warrant for Ms Meadows arrest.

Anyone with information on the family's whereabouts should contact Colchester police on 01206 762212