Boy, 8, moves home as judge says he's picking up mum's 'hateful feelings' about dad

An eight-year-old boy has moved home after a court heard he was picking up his mum's "hateful feelings" about his dad.

A judge feared the youngster would be exposed to "significant emotional harm" if he continued to live with his mother.

Now Essex County Council has taken responsibility for the boy's welfare but he's likely to live with his father.

A psychologist told the Family Division of the High Court the boy's mother "persistently portrayed" his father negatively and said he identified with the "hateful feelings" she expressed.

Judge Lloyd North decided the boy would enjoy a "positive relationship" with both parents if he lived with his father but continued to see his mother.

Details emerged at the Family Division of the High Court (Getty Images)

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The family cannot be identified but the details emerged after the mum challenged the judge's decision.

He had previously heard the case at a private hearing in Norwich.

The court had heard the parents separated some years ago, and had been fighting over their son's care for much of his life.