A 16-year-old dad planned his second baby, the young mother of his children said today.

Lindsay Mumby today revealed how she and Dean Grey planned their second child.

But Dean, now 17, walked out just weeks before Declan, now seven weeks old, was born - saying he couldn't cope.

Dean hit national headlines when he was revealed as the father of a child - daughter Tegan-Leigh, now two-and-a-half - when he was 14.

Lindsay, 21, of Somercotes, Basildon, said: "We split up for quite a few months after Tegan was born and got back together properly in September 1998.

"Then we started planning for a baby. In January 99 I got pregnant and we were getting on brilliantly.

"But just before the baby was born he said he didn't want it and left."

This Is Essex told yesterday how Dean said he left because he couldn't cope with having two children at his young age.

But Lindsay said she felt her ex was playing on the age issue.

She said: "He says he found it hard to cope but I can cope and other people cope.

"I'm quite young to have two children but it's not hard. They're just part of my life now.

"Maybe I'm being a bit naive about him being able to cope."

Dean is now living with his dad, who also lives in Somercotes, and has just got a new job. He sees his children most days.

Lindsay said: "He's a really good father. Tegan loves him to bits, she's a real daddy's girl.

"I do wish we could get back together but if it doesn't happen it doesn't happen. Maybe it's not meant to be.

"I can't hate him for walking out because he's given me two beautiful children."

Dean's mother today also spoke out about her son, and said she was proud of him.

Lisa Firmin, 36, of Somercotes, said: "No matter what he says I'm proud of him and Lindsay.

"He works hard and she does an excellent job, but I am a bit upset that he's gone to the newspaper and says he cannot cope."

Dean spoke out after the news a 13-year-boy had fathered twins. He wanted to warn him of the difficulties which lay ahead.

(Right) Baby was planned - Lindsay Mumby with Declan

Can't cope - Dean Grey

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.