Mother of boy whose legs were amputated because of abuse - calls for tougher sentencing

A mother who is bringing up a young child who's had to have his legs amputated at the knee after horrific abuse from his birth parents, has called for stricter sentences for child cruelty.

Paula Hudgell has adopted Tony, who's now three years old. She says she's worried his birth parents could be released from jail in just five years.

The boy's birth parents, Tony Smith and Jody Simpson, were both living in Square Hill Road, Maidstone, when the abuse happened. They were convicted in February of causing or allowing eight fractures to his limbs, as well as child cruelty for delaying seeking medical help.

Paula Hudgell has started an online petition demanding tougher sentencing for child cruelty, which has attracted more than 5,000 signatures. She is now starting a paper petition, which can be accessed by posting on Tony's Facebook page, and she hopes this can be presented to Parliament.

Abigail Bracken went to see Paula Hudgell, and Tony, in West Malling.