Tony Hudgell, an 11-year-old from West Malling in Kent, has secured victory in his eight-year battle to establish a child cruelty register in the UK.
The Government has confirmed it will introduce an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, expected to be tabled "shortly", which will subject parents convicted of neglect to monitoring similar to that applied to sex offenders.
Tony suffered devastating injuries at the hands of his biological parents, resulting in the amputation of both his legs.
In 2018, his birth parents received 10-year prison sentences for the abuse that caused his life-changing injuries.
Speaking to the BBC, Tony expressed his joy: "I'm so happy it's finally happening and that children will be more protected."
Paula Hudgell, Tony's adoptive mother, described the announcement as a triumph for her son and all children who deserve safety and protection.
"It shows that with persistence, courage, and a united team, real change is possible," she said.
After nearly a decade of advocacy, Paula expressed immense pride that the register would finally become reality.
The register has been described as a 'vital step forward' in protecting vulnerable children
|GETTY
"This register is a vital step forward in protecting vulnerable children, ensuring that adults who harm or neglect children cannot simply move on unnoticed," she added.
Ms Hudgell acknowledged the support of Helen Grant MP and others throughout the campaign, noting: "This journey has been emotional, challenging, and at times overwhelming, but it has never been just my fight."
The new register will encompass a range of serious offences against children, including neglect, cruelty, abandonment, female genital mutilation and infanticide.
Individuals placed on the register will be required to notify police of any change of address, alterations to their identity, or plans to travel overseas.
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Tony Hudgell has previously met Princess Kate
| PAThey must also inform authorities if they intend to reside with children again following the completion of their sentence.
These monitoring obligations mirror the requirements placed upon registered sex offenders, providing safeguarding teams with greater oversight of convicted child abusers.
Ms Hudgell emphasised that the register builds upon previous progress, including Tony's Law, which strengthened sentences for those who cause or permit serious harm to children.
Tony has been recognised for his advocacy work with the British Empire Medal for services to the prevention of child abuse.
He also co-founded the Tony Hudgell Foundation and helped generate more than £1.7 million for charitable causes during the pandemic.
Reflecting on the campaign's success, Ms Hudgell said: "We can't really believe we did it!"
Sentencing minister Jake Richards commended Paula for her "remarkable fight to ensure no child should go through the life-altering abuse that her son Tony did".
The family's campaigning efforts have now resulted in two significant legislative changes, with the child cruelty register following the earlier introduction of Tony's Law.
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