A FATHER has been sentenced to six-months' jail for failing to pay child support - even though he was fully paid up.

Clifford Hall from Texas paid an outstanding $3,000 debt to his ex-wife for their young son before a hearing in November, Fox 26 reports.

He said the money was inadvertently withheld by his employer and the payments had been modified in court without his knowledge.

'I'm his father it's my responsibility to take care of him,' Hall said.

However, Judge Lisa Millard sentenced Hall 180-days in jail because he initially was behind in his payments.

She also said the father-of-one did not to meet other obligations, including a failure to pay his ex-wife's $3000 legal fees and not adhering to court-ordered visitation times.

Hall said the times had been changed without his knowledge.

Judge Millard also found Hall in contempt after he walked out of the courtroom.

The controversial decision has sparked community outrage, with New Black Panther activist Quanell X calling on the state's judicial board to investigate.

"This entire situation is shocking to me. I've never seen one like this," he said.

"The court failed the child. The court failed Mr. Hall the system broke down."

A change.org petition has been set up to fight the ruling. It currently has 634 signatures.

Hall said he is devastated by the decision. His lawyer is working on an appeal.

"I can't be there for my son in jail," he said. "I can't pay child support in jail. This is not in the best interest of the child."

Read more at Fox 26.