Doctors have said that a two-year-old Brazilian boy who was pierced with 32 sewing needles by his stepfather is out of danger following a third successful operation.

The boy's stepfather, 30-year-old bricklayer Roberto Carlos Magalhaes, has confessed to driving the needles into the boy one by one as part of a black magic ritual aimed at exacting revenge on his wife.

A total of 22 out of the 32 needles have now been removed. Four needles which had become dangerously close to the toddler's heart and lungs were first removed last week. In the second three-hour operation, needles were removed from the boy's liver, bladder and intestines. The most recent operation involved removing four needles from his neck near the spinal column. Doctors have decided to wait before removing the remaining needles, which are not life-threatening.

Mr Magelhaes claims he was acting under the influence of his lover who urged him to take revenge on his wife. Both have been arrested and formally charged with attempted murder.

Photo by Badly Drawn Dad (flickr)