More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Boris Johnson is being urged to include legislation for tougher child cruelty sentences, inspired by the story of Tony Hudgell, in his forthcoming Queen's Speech.
The four-year-old, who started primary school in Kings Hill this month, captured the nation's hearts as devastating details emerged of the suffering he endured at the hands of his birth parents.
Jody Simpson and Antony Smith's abuse resulted in Tony having to have both legs amputated and left him fighting for his life when just 41 days old.
The Maidstone couple were both eventually jailed for 10 years in 2018 and have had subsequent attempts to slash their sentences rejected by the courts but a campaign has been rumbling on in the background to increase the maximum term to a life sentence in such cases.
Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat introduced 'Tony's Law' earlier this year in the form of the Child Cruelty (Sentences) Bill to the House of Commons, after a petition was presented in parliament.
The Queen's Speech, scheduled for next month, is where the government sets out its agenda and forthcoming priorities, and Mr Tugendhat is calling on the Prime Minister to commit to introducing the bill in it.
He said: “I am delighted that the Government is looking to get tough on sentencing people who hurt children.
"We all have a special duty to look after the most vulnerable and that means making sure criminals gets suitable punishment for crimes against kids.
“That’s why the Government must bring in Tony’s Law, which I introduced to the House of Commons earlier this year.
“Tony Hudgell is an exceptional and brave young man, supported by his loving parents, Paula and Mark.
"I hope that the Prime Minister will introduce this ready-made bit of legislation in the Queen’s Speech.”
Tony's mum Paula added: "The maximum sentences as they stand do not fit such horrendous crimes, and public outcry reflects that.
"A child cannot defend itself in the way an adult could and that is why they need greater protection from the courts.
"We were lucky in that the judge who heard the case against Tony's birth parents felt that nothing less than the maximum sentence should be imposed because, as he said in his sentencing remarks, 'Who can a child....turn to other than those who have brought him into the world and are meant to love him unconditionally'
"The sentence was also later upheld by the Court of Appeal but 10 years really isn't adequate when you consider Tony was left with life-threatening and life-changing injuries.
"We hear and read about too many of these cases and it is so rare for even the maximum sentences to be imposed.
"I fought for justice for our little boy and have fought ever since to protect other babies and children in the future. Tony's Law would achieve just that."
