Manchester Evening News (AP) - A seven-year-old boy was at the centre of a
local courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged a court ruling over who
should have custody of him.
The boy has a history of being beaten by his parents and the judge
initially awarded custody to his aunt, in keeping with child custody law and
regulations requiring that family unity be maintained to the highest degree
possible.
The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him more
than his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her.
When the judge then suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy
cried out that they also beat him.
After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning
that domestic violence was apparently a way of life among them, the judge
took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who should have
custody of him.
After two recesses to check legal references and confer with child
welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to Manchester United
Football Club whom the boy firmly believes are incapable of beating
anyone.
local courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged a court ruling over who
should have custody of him.
The boy has a history of being beaten by his parents and the judge
initially awarded custody to his aunt, in keeping with child custody law and
regulations requiring that family unity be maintained to the highest degree
possible.
The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him more
than his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her.
When the judge then suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy
cried out that they also beat him.
After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning
that domestic violence was apparently a way of life among them, the judge
took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who should have
custody of him.
After two recesses to check legal references and confer with child
welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to Manchester United
Football Club whom the boy firmly believes are incapable of beating
anyone.
