A CAMPAIGNER for fathers' rights accused of throwing an egg at Education Secretary Ruth Kelly, the Bolton West MP, as she left a court has denied common assault.

Ms Kelly was hit with an egg as she left Salford Magistrates' Court on Monday where she had been due to appear as a witness in another case.

Michael Downes, 43, of Foxfield Road, Wythenshawe, pleaded not guilty to common assault at the same court. Ms Kelly may have to give evidence at a trial.

At Tuesday's case, Mr Downes, was refused bail by Judge Jonathan Finestein and remanded in custody. He is due at a second hearing next week, charged with common assault.