Judge dismisses Levi Johnston's custody petition

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- An Alaska judge awarded former Gov. Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol primary custody of the son she has with Levi Johnston, who petitioned for equal custody.

Judge Gregory L. Heath, who was appointed to his position by the former governor in 2009, dismissed Johnston's petition last week.

The 23-year-old filed for equality custody of Tripp, saying the 4-year-old should spend his time equally with mother and father, Radar Online reported Thursday.

Bristol Palin said Johnston was $67,000 behind in child support and wasn't a fit parent because he didn't visit Tripp on a regular basis. Sarah Palin -- the Republican nominee for U.S. vice president in 2008 -- has accused Johnston of being a "deadbeat dad."