Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Child Cruelty Offences: Sentencing

11 September 2020 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Nigel Evans Con 14:30:00

Justice & Courts

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Nigel Evans raised concerns about child cruelty offences: sentencing in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Tom Tugendhat secured a debate to discuss increasing the maximum custodial sentence for child cruelty offences, citing the case of Tony Hudgell.
  • The MP highlighted Tony's fundraising efforts for Evelina London Children's Hospital, raising over 1 million.
  • The minister acknowledged the tragic case of Tony Hudgell and noted that child cruelty offences can be prosecuted under charges like GBH or attempted murder, carrying life imprisonment penalties.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Nigel Evans Con 14:30:00

Tom Tugendhat secured a debate to discuss the importance of increasing the maximum custodial sentence for child cruelty offences, inspired by the case of Tony Hudgell from Kings Hill. The MP emphasised that Tony's biological parents were sentenced to 10 years in prison but suggested that such cases should warrant life imprisonment to reflect the severity and betrayal involved. Tugendhat presented Tony's story and highlighted his fundraising efforts for Evelina London Children’s Hospital, raising over £1 million. He also mentioned the importance of ensuring judges have discretion to impose appropriate sentences based on the crime's impact, urging the government to enshrine 'Tony’s law' in legislation.

Other contributors (2)
  • Thomas Tugendhat: Con Kent

    Supported Tony Hudgell and highlighted the need for a wider review of sentencing for offences against children, emphasising the importance of ensuring justice for victims.

  • Kevin Hollinrake Con Thirsk and Malton

    Questioned whether a broader look at child sentencing is required to ensure appropriate penalties in egregious cases. He also supported Tugendhat’s campaign for Tony's law.

Government Response

Lucy Frazer

The Minister thanked Tom Tugendhat for securing the debate and acknowledged the tragic case of Tony Hudgell. She noted that offences such as child cruelty can be prosecuted under other serious charges like GBH or attempted murder, which carry life imprisonment penalties. The minister stated that sentences imposed for offences against children are often higher than those for adults due to aggravating factors. Since Tugendhat first raised the issue, officials have been reviewing sentencing guidelines and kept them under review, noting a lack of pressure on the current maximum penalty for child cruelty as such cases remain rare.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy