[Fwd: FW: The Irish Times October 9, 2006]

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From: Kevin

Subject: FW: [Fwd: FW: The Irish Times October 9, 2006]

   The Irish Times   October 9, 2006  - A seven-year-old boy was at the center of a
courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged a court ruling over whom 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 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 the Republic of Ireland soccer team , whom
the boy firmly believes are not capable of beating anyone.