Government Takes Boy From Parents Who Refuse to Give Him Sweets

Social workers took a 2-year-old U.K. boy into care after his mother refused to give him junk food.

Zak Hessey was 17 pounds, 6 ounces when his mother Lisa took him to hospital, telling doctors he was a "fussy eater" and not gaining weight.

Doctors said he should weigh 19 pounds, 8 ounces, and advised the mother of five to bulk him up on chips, chocolate and cakes.

When she said no, social workers were called in and her son was put into foster care to assess if his eating improved.

Lisa, 28, and her husband Paul, 48, battled through the courts for four months before they got their son back.

Social workers then admitted in court that the couple, from Bolsover, Derbys, were devoted and loving parents.

Lisa claimed Zak's time in foster care left him a "chocoholic" and only 8 ounces heavier.

"I thought I was doing the right thing going for help when Zak began refusing to eat and lost weight," Zak's mother said.

"Instead they basically accused me of neglect. They said I should give him chocolate, cakes and junk food just to get calories into him."

Chesterfield Royal Hospital spokesman said: "We believe we acted in Zak's interest."