Parents and carers have been getting away with murder when a child in their custody dies and no one can prove which one was to blame.

The Argus launched a campaign for a change in the law following a series of shocking cases in Sussex, including the death of four-year-old John Smith.

He was bashed and beaten before being found dead but his foster carers were not found guilty of murdering him. Instead, they were jailed for cruelty for eight years.

Now the Law Commission is recommending a new offence of aggravated child cruelty.

This would allow more than one parent, guardian or carer to be charged and a conviction could result in prison sentences of up to 14 years.

Juries would have to be convinced the child's death was the result of neglect or cruelty and that the child was in the care of the defendant.

At present, more than half the parents or carers suspected of killing children are never charged and fewer are convicted.

The Argus launched its campaign three years ago after the collapse of a trial where a Brighton couple were accused of killing three babies.

The following year, John's death made the new law even more urgent.

It takes a long time to change the law in this country even when the reform is simple and obvious.

But we are getting there. In the end there will be justice for other youngsters who sadly suffer the same fate as little John.