Tony Hudgell wins his campaign for new UK child cruelty register

Tony Hudgell wins his campaign for new UK child cruelty register

An 11-year-old boy who lost both his legs due to severe abuse by his birth parents has successfully campaigned for the creation of a new child safety register. This initiative will require parents found guilty of neglect to undergo monitoring similar to that imposed on sex offenders. The government has indicated that an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill addressing this issue is expected to be introduced soon.

The campaign was driven by Tony Hudgell and his adoptive mother Paula, who live in West Malling, Kent. Paula expressed deep satisfaction with the announcement, calling it a significant victory not only for Tony but for all children who need protection and a voice. She emphasized the importance of persistence and teamwork in achieving real change, and she views the establishment of the register as a crucial advancement in preventing harm to vulnerable children.

Tony’s biological parents were sentenced to a decade in prison in 2018 for the abuse that caused the loss of his legs. Since then, Tony has co-founded the Tony Hudgell Foundation, which has raised over £1.7 million for charity during the pandemic. The family’s efforts also contributed to the introduction of Tony’s Law, which increased penalties for those causing or allowing serious harm to children. Paula highlighted that the new register builds on this progress by equipping safeguarding professionals with better tools to stop further abuse.

The child cruelty register will track offenses such as neglect, cruelty, abandonment, female genital mutilation (FGM), and infanticide. Individuals listed on the register must notify the police of any changes such as moving house, changing identity, traveling abroad, or living with children after their sentence ends. Sentencing minister Jake Richards praised Paula Hudgell for her extraordinary dedication, acknowledging her fight to prevent other children from suffering abuse similar to what Tony endured

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