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Child Cruelty Offences: Sentencing
11 September 2020
Lead MP
Nigel Evans
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
Justice & CourtsTaxation
Other Contributors: 2
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
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.
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
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.
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Assessment & feedback
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.