The family of Tony Smith say his "evil" actions have left them ashamed and fearing for their own safety.

Vigilantes have already threatened to burn down the house of the baby abuser’s 72-year-old mother, Margaret, on a housing estate in Whitstable.

But his sister, 50-year-old Priscilla, says they are appalled by Smith’s behaviour and wants nothing more to do with him.

“It was so disgusting what Tony did to that baby,” she said.

“Mum kicked him out of here. We never knew him doing things like that.

“I feel ashamed about what my brother’s done. My relationship with him was fine when he was good, but then he got into heavy drugs and it made him evil.

“I don’t think I’d be able to face him or talk to him anymore.

“Mum’s upset because she still loves him, but not the things he’s done. Last night she couldn’t get to sleep.”

Pictures of the squalor Smith and partner Jody Simpson lived in at their Maidstone flat where baby Tony was abused emerged during the case.

Piles of clothes, papers and a bike were crammed into the small rooms.

The court heard Smith decided to wait for a plumber to repair a boiler at the Square Hill Road home, rather than going with Simpson to the surgery.

Priscilla says her brother was a church-going boy and had a good heart before drugs took control of his life.

He was one of five siblings and as a youngster was interested in sport and playing on his bike.

“Mum used to take Tony to church when he was younger, and he was good,” she said.

“But then he started taking drugs and was on heroin and coke, and Jody is the same as well.

“My mum had them in here for a little while about two years ago, then she kicked them out because they were taking drugs.

“Then they were living in tents around Canterbury train station.

“I think they only really think about themselves. They should never have had a kid.

"When you have a baby, it’s your responsibility.”

The family also revealed Smith has been threatened in prison and refuses to leave his cell for fear of being attacked.

“Tony hasn’t left his cell for three days so hasn’t eaten.

“When he comes out, people try to bully him and beat him up.

"What he’s done has been on TV, so people know about it and they’re like that, aren’t they?

“At the end of the day, he’s still human and he still needs to eat. So mum spoke to the governor to ask if they can give him some food in his cell.”

While Smith fears for his own safety behind bars, his family is also receiving threats, with Priscilla adding: “People are coming to us saying 'we're going to burn your house down', so we have to keep looking outside.”

• The Kent Messenger has launched a fundraising campaign for baby Tony and his new family, which has already raised more than £900