A seven year old boy was at the centre of an Edmonton courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged a court to 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. The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him more then his parents and he admantly refused to live with her.

When the judge 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 the judge granted temporary custody to the Edmonton Oilers, whom the boy firmly believes are not capable of beating anyone!