King's Lynn parents' cruelty arrest over obese child

A couple have been arrested by police on suspicion of cruelty and neglect of their obese child.

A 49-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman, from King's Lynn in Norfolk, were questioned by officers over the child's care and released on bail.

Police said intervention at this level was "very rare" and only occurred where other attempts to protect the child had been unsuccessful.

A spokeswoman added police were working with health and social services.

The Sun reported the couple's 11-year-old son is 5ft 1in (1.5m) and 15 stone, with a body mass index (BMI) of 41.8.

It alleged concerned teachers and doctors prompted intervention by social services and then police.

Police and Norfolk County Council said it would not discuss the "victim" or the circumstances of the case.

'Protection from harm'
The couple were arrested in March on suspicion of child neglect and cruelty under section 1 of the Children's Act 1933.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-27730696

Interesting, what do others think?

11?

No way - the lad could slim down massively over the next few years.

Of course, he could continue to get worse...

Would be very difficult to prove cruelty and neglect.

The lad needs encouragement, and some hobbies!

Once you register your child's birth they belong to the government , is it worth it just receive £20 a week ?

My god, most boys at his age don't even weigh half that amount. Good that there's been an intervention before the poor kid dies of a heart attack at 13 ...

Over feeding a child is cruel.
Let's face it, Children that age dint get that fat by eating too much fish and mashed potatoes, or tuna pasta bake.
They get fat because they're eating chips, fried and fatty foods, crisps and sweets.

If a parent allows a child to become that way - and in all fairness they can see it coming, it doesn't happen overnight - then they should take some responsibly.

Not sure they can be imprisoned though!
They need to be taught how to prepare healthy meals and keep a careful eye on what he is eating.