Tony’s law – improved protection for vulnerable kids

Many of you will have seen on the news the heart-wrenching story of Tony Hudgell, who as a baby was severely abused by his birth parents to such an extent that he had to have both legs amputated.

The birth parents (defined as the biological parents of a child who has been adopted – biological parents are genetically related to the child, as would be proven by a DNA paternity test and a DNA maternity test) were jailed in 2019 and since then (from June 2018) tougher sentences have become available to the courts.

Causing or allowing the death of a child or vulnerable adult is now punishable by life imprisonment and for serious harm and cruelty, up to 14 years.

Tougher penalties for child cruelty through ‘Tony’s Law’ – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)