AN obese young boy could be taken away from his parents 'for his own benefit', according to the courts.  

The child – whose age has not been revealed but who is not yet thought to have reached his teens – weighs 83 kilos (13 stone 1lb).

But his mum and dad claim he weighs 70 kilos (11 stone).

The lawyer acting on behalf of the youngster's parents, who live in Ourense (Galicia) says it would be 'a serious error' to take the child away from his home and 'would not benefit the boy in the slightest'.

His parents (pictured) are facing charges of neglect due to his obesity, which is said to be life-threatening, and for his repeated truancy from school.

They could face up to two years in prison if found guilty.

A psychiatrist's report, presented yesterday before the judge, said that the parents' being sent to jail would 'cause brutal damage' to the child.

Defence lawyer José Manuel Rodríguez Díaz says the boy's parents are being 'persecuted'.

He claims the child's absence from school was justified, since on one occasion he had an accident and on another, his grandmother had to have an operation.

“Criminal action is not the solution, nor is civil action. The solution is to talk about it,” stresses Rodríguez Díaz.

Social services in the regional government of Galicia want to take the child into care.