A Delaware Family Court administrator has ordered state Rep. John Atkins of Millsboro to stay away from his wife and children due to complaints of erratic behavior.
The News Journal reports the protective order was granted Monday in Sussex County after a request from Atkins' wife, Heather Atkins. Court documents show John Atkins handed over 17 firearms, mostly shotguns, to police after the order.
In a petition for emergency protection, Heather Atkins described bouts of abusive and violent behavior. She said she feared her husband would harm her and the children.
John Atkins said in a written statement that protective orders are one-sided court documents. He says it's a private family matter, and he will tell his side in court.
In 2006, John Atkins was arrested for offensive touching.
