A man who discovered that the son and daughter he raised into their teenage years were not his has been awarded £25,000 in damages after suing his ex-wife for deceit. Richard Rodwell was a loving father to Adam and Laura until his marriage to their mother Helen broke down. After the divorce he paid  regular child maintenance for more than four years, from his salary as a factory manager. Happy family: Adam and Laura are all smiles during a swimming session with loving 'father' Richard. Both children were fathered by different men But in 2008 Mr Rodwell ordered DNA tests after hearing rumours about his daughter’s paternity – and the results showed that each child was fathered by a different man.
@highlight
Richard Rodwell was a loving father until his marriage broke down
@highlight
After he heard rumours his children were not his own, he ordered DNA tests
@highlight
Results showed each child was fathered by a different man
@highlight
Following the revelations, his children cut off all contact with him
‘I confronted Helen on the phone but she insisted I was @placeholder’s father.