A father who mistreated his baby so badly that the child lost both legs will be held in jail under new powers.
In 2018, Anthony Smith was sentenced to 10 years in prison for abusing his son, Tony Hudgell.
The youngster, who is now seven years old, had several fractures, dislocations, and traumatic injuries to the face when he was 41 days old.
The injuries caused organ failure, toxic shock, and infection. He was subsequently left untreated for 10 days, culminating in the amputation of both of his legs.
The release of Smith is scheduled for the following month. However, Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said this night that he had halted the action using new powers granted by the Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Act, which was passed this year.
Mr. Raab has requested that the Parole Board determine whether or not he is safe for release. Tony’s mother Jody Simpson, who was also sentenced to 10 years in prison, had her case referred earlier this month.
Boris Johnson praised the move after meeting Tony, who had collected £1.7 million for the Evelina London Children’s Hospital, where he was treated. Mr Raab said: ‘I’ll do everything in my power to prevent another child enduring the abuse inflicted on Tony Hudgell.’