YORK tug-of-love mum Allison Williams was preparing to go into court in the United States today - hoping she will win custody of her son.

Allison was due to be appearing at Pasadena court, in California, after her attorney filed a custody case.

Barring any last-minute legal hitches, Allison will be asking a judge to grant her full custody of seven-year-old Daniel.

It was a day of mixed emotions for Daniel, who attended the funeral of his father, Kevin Stucki, yesterday.

Kevin, of Duarte, California, died of leukaemia more than a week ago. He was well known in racing circles for his work as a horseman at Santa Anita Park. Allison and Kevin had, following lengthy legal battles, reached a shared custody agreement on Daniel's care.

But following his death, Allison, 40, now wants to assume full parental rights and responsibilities, and that means launching new legal proceedings.

Allison said: "I have hired a different lawyer who told me she was going to go into court on Wednesday. She was recommended to me through Re-Unite.

"Hopefully it (the case) can be dealt with and I will be given permission to leave the country with Daniel."

Allison added that a meeting, due to have been held on Monday to discuss Daniel's future, did not take place. This was because Allison had not been contacted by any other parties.

Allison said: "Daniel went to the funeral, which was held in Monrovia. I went also. It was a day of mixed feelings for me. I feel very sad. I was there for Daniel."

Updated: 11:48 Wednesday, January 15, 2003