'Place brutes who hurt children on national register'

AROUND 1,000 thugs who “harm and break the bones” of children could be added to a child abuse register every year, if campaigners are successful.

- BY MICHAEL KNOWLES Home Affairs Editor

Paula Hudgell, the adoptive mum of Tony Hudgell, who was abused so badly as a baby by his parents that both his legs had to be amputated, is calling for a child-cruelty database.

It would copy the Sex Offenders Register and has the backing of the Express, which is campaigning for it.

Offenders would be forced to tell police if they change names, move home, get into new relationships and stay in a house for 12 hours or more with children.

Some offenders could even be forced to tell officers in advance about any planned contact with youngsters in a private setting.

Scrutiny

Campaigners had been hoping Labour would amend their Sentencing Bill, which is going through the House of Lords this week.