Dutch lawyer: 'Giant' client too big for jail

[January 28, 2011]  AMSTERDAM (AP) -- A Dutch lawyer is attempting to get his client out of jail with an unusual argument: He's too tall and fat for his cell.

Bas Martens says his client is 2.07 meters (about 6 feet 10 inches) tall and weighs 230 kilograms (500 pounds).

The prisoner, identified under Dutch privacy law by his initials, A.M., is serving a two-year sentence for fraud.

Court spokeswoman Paula Keuning confirms a hearing took place Thursday and a ruling is due on Feb. 8.

Martens describes his client as "a giant," and argues his imprisonment is so painful it violates European human rights law.

Martens says electronically supervised house arrest would be more fair. Martens spoke this week on national radio, but could not be reached on Friday.

[Associated Press]

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