Child abusers now face whole life sentences under new rules
The tougher rules are brought in under Tony's Law
Last updated 27th May 2022
Child abusers could now receive whole life sentences in prison under tough new rules brought in by the government.
The maximum punishment is being extended to a range of child cruelty offences under amendments to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill currently being debated in Parliament.
Under the new changes, those convicted of child cruelty and abuse will spend at least 14 years behind bars, up from ten. This would put them into line with other major crimes such as murder.
The revisions are part of Tony's Law, a campaign from MP Tom Tugendhat and the adoptive family of Tony Hudgell, a seven-year-old who needed to have both his legs amputated following the abuse he received from his birth parents.
As a baby, Tony was attacked and sustained broken fingers and toes, as well as torn ligaments in his legs. His injuries were left untreated for 10 days.
Since being adopted by Mark and Paula Hudgell, Tony has set out to raise money for children in need and facing abuse.
While taking on the challenge to walk ten kilometres in thirty days in prosthetic legs, Tony raised over ÂŁ1 million for the Evelina Children's Hospital that saved his life, well surpassing his intended ÂŁ500 goal.
Speaking about the changes to the Bill, Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said: "The law must provide maximum protection to the most vulnerable and no-one is more vulnerable than a young child.
"I pay tribute to the courage of young Tony Hudgell and his adoptive parents, Paula and Mark," he added.