Robert Charles Albon, who advertises his services on social media as “Joe Donor,” claims to have fathered more than 180 children in countries including Argentina and Australia.
One couple’s experience with Albon turned into a “nightmare” after he took them to court, demanding parental rights and to be named on their child’s birth certificate.
The judge rejected his demands and took the unusual step of naming Albon, who was born in the United States but now lives in the North East of England.
His Honour Judge Jonathan Furness KC, sitting as a deputy high court judge, said it was in the “public interest” for Albon to be named, so “vulnerable women who are interested in such services should fully understand the risks of becoming involved with him.”
The court heard the same-sex couple had intended for Albon to have no future involvement until the child asked about their paternity and expressed a desire to see him.
Mr Furness said Albon’s advertisements suggested he would “leave it up to the mother as to whether there should be any contact” and had only seen the child once for a photo, in a meeting that lasted no more than 10 minutes.
The court also heard the proceedings had resulted in a breakdown in the couple’s relationship, but both mothers continued wanting to be parents to the child, with care split between them.
Albon had asked for the non-biological mother to instead be called “aunty,” despite her having been present at the birth and being called “mother” by the child.
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The judge also heard the court case had caused the biological mother’s mental health to suffer.
He said Albon’s actions were “wrapped up in a veneer of seeking to protect the welfare of (the child)” but in reality, he was a man who “seeks to control.”
The judge suggested the donor had started the court proceedings to support his immigration position to stay in the UK, something Albon denied.
