A 10-year-old boy with an intellectual level equivalent to a three-year-old child was confined to his home for eight years, but has been rescued from his allegedly psychotic father in a central China city.

After a couple from Xiangtan City, Hunan Province, divorced eight years ago, the father, Liu Xi, who is said to have suffered periodic psychosis, gained custody of the boy, identified as Ming Ming. Considering the boy his personal property, Liu confined him at home and prevented anyone from contacting him, Changsha Evening News reported yesterday.

Because of this long-term isolation, Ming Ming had an intelligence level of a three-year-old child, the report said.

The mother, Li Fang, let Liu take care of the boy after they divorced as Liu had a stable home and an income from his pension fund.

Liu's mental condition worsened after the divorce. He developed security issues and regarded Ming Ming as the only person he could count on. As a result he took extreme measures to keep Ming Ming close to him, a psychiatrist told the newspaper.

Police, social workers and medical staff rescued the boy on October 27.

Liu was sent to a hospital for treatment. Ming Ming now lives with his mother.

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