A gay man who fathered children with a lesbian after placing an ad in Gay Times has become embroiled in an unprecedented custody battle.

The lesbian and her long-term partner, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have taken their case to the Court of Appeal after the sperm donor father won a shared residency order earlier this year, which allowed him to see his children for almost half the time

Yesterday the court heard that the 51-year-old man, a wealthy company director, placed an advert in the Gay Times newspaper in 1999, pleading to become a father.

It read: ‘Gay guy wants to be a dad. White, handsome, solvent 30s, professional in happy relationship, non-scene, has everything but kids.

‘Looking for a similar female couple who wants to have kids. I require a little involvement. I have a lot to offer.’

The lesbian couple replied and the children were conceived through artificial insemination.

Both women were happy for the father to have contact with the children, but have been their main carers since birth and considered themselves their parents, the court was told.

The case will be settled by the country’s most senior civil judge, Master of the Rolls Lord Neuberger, sitting with Lord Justice Patten and Lady Justice Black. The ruling is expected later this year.

What do you think?, Who should win?

GL