BROCKTON, Mass., Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Police in Massachusetts said a divorced dad angry about being denied a visit with his kids spray painted his own name on a courthouse.

Investigators said police responding to reports of a vandal early Thursday found Andrew Steele, 45, of Tacoma, Wash., outside of the Brockton District Courthouse with a can of red spray paint in his hand, the Boston Herald reported Friday.


Lt. John Crowley said the words "Steele Boys Rights Denide," complete with the misspelled "denied," were written across three-fourths of the courthouse in two-foot-high letters.

Crowley said Steele was apparently angry about a probate court's decision to deny his request to have his children visit him.

"The officer approached and asked what he was thinking," Crowley said. "He stated he did it as a protest."

Steele was charged with tagging, malicious damage and destruction over $250. He was ordered held in lieu of $50,000 bail and is due in court Jan. 6.