Child Abuse

LIVERPOOL ECHO (AP) - A seven-year-old boy was at the centre of a Liverpool
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
he 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 Everton Football Club whom
the boy firmly believes are incapable of beating anyone.

Thanks to Max at ThisIsAnfield.com for pointing this out.