Tony’s adoptive mum Paula Hudgell told she just wants a.b.u.s.e.r.s and p.a.e.d.o.p.h.i.l.e.s to be punished ‘properly’
AN E.V.I.L mum jailed after her baby son received horrific, life changing injuries which resulted in him l.o.s.i.n.g b.o.t.h his legs is set to walk free from prison.
Doctors found that Tony Hudgell, now 10 years old, had suffered irreparable damage to his little body when he was brought to the hospital at the age of 41 days. His heartless parents had neglected to seek treatment until it was nearly too late.
In 2018, his mother, who is now 33, and her partner, Anthony Smith, were found guilty of causing or permitting a child to receive an injury and neglecting their son Tony by delaying seeking medical assistance. They were sentenced to 10 years in prison.
After violating her stringent license requirements by having “a relationship with a convicted s.e.x o.f.f.e.n.d.e.r,” she was recalled to prison in June 2024 after being freed in February of last year.
Earlier this year, the c.r.u.e.l father was about to be automatically freed again, but Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood intervened, requiring Simpson to appear in person on May 19 for a parole hearing.
Now, it can be revealed that she will be released imminently, with strict license conditions controlling what she does.
Simpson will be GPS-tagged, subject to routine d.r.u.g testing, and have to notify her probation supervisor of any new relationships.
However, Paula Hudgell, 57, Tony’s adoptive mother, believes it is unfair that Simpson will be free while her son must endure the repercussions of her horrible brutality for the rest of his life.
Paula told: “We knew this was coming after being at the parole hearing and in light of what the Government is doing to ease prison crowding, so it was expected.
“The frustration for us is that she will be on license for two years and then will be able to live a happy life, whereas Tony will have life-long problems because of her and Anthony Smith’s actions.
“We amended Tony’s law, and longer punishments are now expected in subsequent cases.
However, the government’s recent decision to release inmates – including p.e.d.o.p.h.i.l.e.s and child a.b.u.s.e.r.s – earlier than expected kind of undermines the new sentencing authority.
“We are grateful that Shabana Mahmood stepped in and blocked her from being released without a parole hearing, that meant she was in prison longer than she would have been otherwise, but it just feels wrong that she should be free while Tony has to live with the consequences of her actions for life.
“All the politicians we speak to on both sides know about Tony’s case, which I think has helped.
“They all know the story and see that despite his limitations Tony is still just a normal 10-year-old boy who just wants to do all the things normal 10-year-old boys do.
“I think that has helped our campaign, and now we just want to use that to make sure child a.b.u.s.e.r.s are properly punished.”
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said Simpson’s release was reflective of a “broken” justice system.
He said: “If a mother convicted of brutal physical harm to a child can walk free following a parole board ruling, and the Justice Secretary can’t even intervene, then the system is broken.
“I have met Tony’s adopted mother, Paula, and will continue to support her campaign to make sure child a.b.u.s.e.r.s are properly punished.”
Helen Grant, Tony’s local MP, said: “This is a very concerning development. I will continue to work with Tony’s adoptive family, to make sure sick child a.b.u.s.e.r.s are punished and victims get the justice they deserve. Tony’s birth father is also coming up for his parole board hearing and I sincerely hope there is a finding that he should remain behind bars for the remainder of his sentence.”
Little Tony met Prince William last month while attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace as a guest of honor.
For his exceptional fundraising efforts, he has received recognition.
In 2020, aged just 5, Tony Hudgell decided to try and raise £509 for the Evelina Children’s Hospital by walking 10km on his prosthetic legs.
In total, he raised an amazing £1.8 million for the hospital which saved his life.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “This was a h.o.r.r.i.f.i.c c.r.i.m.e that saw Tony Hudgell m.e.r.c.i.l.e.s.s.l.y t.o.r.t.u.r.e.d by his birth parents and our thoughts remain with him and his loved ones.
“Now that the independent Parole Board has directed her release, Jody Simpson will be subject to strict supervision and licence conditions. She faces an immediate return to prison if she breaks the rules.”
A Parole Board spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board has directed the release of Jody Simpson following an oral hearing.
“Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community.
A panel will thoroughly review a wide range of evidence, including specifics of the initial offense, any indications of altered behavior, and an investigation into the harm and effects the c.r.i.m.e has had on the victims.
“Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing.
“Evidence from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements may be given at the hearing.
“It is standard for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more.
“Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.”
In a previous ruling, Jeremy Roberts KC from the Parole Board recognised Tony’s immense strength.
He said: “It is a tribute to Tony’s resilience and character and to the exemplary care provided by the couple who have adopted him that he is growing up into a fine young man who, despite being unable to do many of the things which he would have liked to do, is making the best of the hand he has been dealt.
During the pandemic, he raised a significant amount of money for the NHS. His accomplishments have earned him several honors, including the Order of the British Empire, the British Empire Medal, and a Pride of Britain medal.
When he was personally invested as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire and won the Pride of Britain Award, millions of people in the UK and abroad watched him.
“Tony and his adoptive parents have campaigned successfully for ‘Tony’s Law’ to increase the sentences available to judges in cases of this kind.
“The maximum sentence for causing or allowing injury to a child has now been increased from 10 years (the maximum which could be imposed in this case) to 14 years; and if the injury results in d.e.a.t.h a sentence of life imprisonment is now available.”
