At last. That will be the view of many who today learn that a legal loophole which lets child killers walk free from court is to finally be closed.

And the Law Society's recommendations mean if police cannot prove murder then the sentence for child cruelty should be increased to a maximum of 14 years instead of the current ten.

A new offence of failing to protect a child could lead to a seven-year sentence.

The news will be met with relief but there will be no celebrations.

Our first thoughts should remain with the babies and toddlers who have died at the hands of the adults who were supposed to care for and protect them.

The legislation will not bring back children like John Smith, who died following a catalogue of cruelty from his adoptive parents, but it may help his relatives feel that at least justice can now be done.

The Argus launched a campaign calling for a change in the law in 2000 which was backed by Sussex Police, Sussex Police Authority, the NSPCC, Brighton and Hove city councillors and a 1,000-name petition.

Now it looks as if that campaign is about to come to a successful conclusion but there will be no champagne corks popping.

This is something that should have been done a long time ago.

Too many children and babies have had to suffer horrendous abuse in the past and, for all we know, some may be experiencing it now.

Hopefully, the toughening up of the law may make some abusive parents and guardians think again about the repercussions of their evil actions.