Latest news with #AnthonySmith
The Sun
03-07-2025
- The Sun
Evil dad who abused boy, 10, so badly he lost both legs set to be freed from prison – days after vile mum also released
THE EVIL dad of brave double-amputee Tony Hudgell is set to be released from prison – just days after the youngster's birth mother was let out of jail, it can be revealed. A parole board hearing has decided Anthony Smith, 53, can be released after serving just seven years of his 10-year sentence. 5 5 5 He was jailed in 2018 after his baby son, Tony, now 10, was discovered to be in a critical condition having suffered a litany of terrible injuries. Medics had to remove the tot's legs below the knee. Tony, the youngest ever recipient of the British Empire Medal for his fundraising efforts, was only 41 days old at the time of the abuse and continues to suffer from the effects of his parent's cruelty. The decision comes in the same week Tony's cruel birth mum Jody Simpson, 33, was released from jail. A Parole Board summary of Smith's hearing revealed he will face strict license conditions upon his release, including wearing a GPS tag and a curfew. The panel heard that there would be extensive supervision of Smith under the proposed release plan. The panel concluded this plan would be 'robust enough to manage him in the community.' The summary said : 'After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody, the recommendations of the witnesses, and the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was satisfied that imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public.' Other licence conditions include having to comply with other identified limitations concerning contacts, activities and residency to avoid contact with victims, and to protect children in general. He will also have to meet specified restrictions relating to the use of mobile phones. Tony's adopted mum Paula Hudgell, 57, does not believe the conditions go far enough. The anti-child cruelty campaigner from West Malling, Kent, said: 'Another of Tony's remorseless birth parents is now going to be living free - while the boy they harmed deals with life-long injuries. 'He will be on licence, and I appreciate that he will be monitored, but after that licence expires he will do what he did while on bail and disappear. 'We know he uses aliases, we know he is a danger to children and yet he won't be tracked past the expiration of his licence. 'In my opinion he has shown absolutely no remorse for what he did to Tony - none at all - he remains a dangerous, violent person. 'This is why I keep continuing the campaign to introduce the Child Cruelty Register so we can keep track of people who could do harm to more kids. 'It's not just about Smith or Simpson, it's about making sure child abusers are prevented from harming innocent children." Smith, along with Tony's birth mum Jody Simpson, 33, was convicted of causing or allowing a child to sustain an injury and neglect by failing to seek immediate medical attention and sentenced to 10 years in jail. Doctors discovered baby Tony had multiple catastrophic injuries to his tiny body - with both his birth parents failing to get him help before it was almost too late. Medical staff at Evelina London Children's Hospital saved the tot's life, but he had to have both legs amputated at the knee as a result of his injuries when he was four-years-old, and has faced countless operations in the years that followed. Simpson was released from prison earlier this week, after serving only around six years of her sentence. But after two years on licence she, like Smith, will face no conditions on her freedom. The evil mum was first released from prison on license in February 2023 - after only serving five years of her sentence. Then, less than a year later in May 2024, the monster was recalled to prison after starting a relationship with a sex offender - in breach of her conditions. She was due to be automatically re-released earlier this year, but Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood stepped in – forcing Simpson to face a parole hearing on May 19. The cruel parent has now been released, with strict license conditions controlling what she does for the next couple of years. She will have to report any new relationships to her probation officer, get regularly drug tested and will be GPS tagged. At the time, Paula said: 'It just feels very unfair that Simpson is now free to live her life and Tony is still dealing with the consequences of her actions and will be for life. 'I appreciate there is a prison overcrowding crisis and that the Parole Board has placed strict conditions on her, but it does not feel like enough. 'After her license expires in two years' time she will be completely free to do whatever she wants - including getting in a situation where she could cause harm to more children.' 5 5
BBC News
03-07-2025
- BBC News
Tony Hudgell's biological father to be released from prison
The biological father of a boy from Kent - who abused him so badly as a baby that both his legs had to be amputated - is to be released early from Hudgell's birth parents, Anthony Smith and Jody Simpson, were sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2018, but a decision was made in June to release Hudgell, Tony's adoptive mother from King's Hill in Kent, said the Parole Board's decision was "deeply upsetting" and "a betrayal of justice", adding that Smith was "evil" and had not shown remorse for the harm he had caused Tony, now aged 10. But the board said it was "satisfied that imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public". Ms Hudgell said: "This man caused immeasurable harm to Tony - damage that will last a lifetime - and yet he walks free while the victim continues to carry the weight of his actions every single day. "There has been no remorse from Smith, no acknowledgment of the suffering he caused."Nothing about his behaviour suggests he has changed or taken responsibility." Smith's release is subject to license conditions that include good behaviour, living at a designated address and disclosing developing case was considered in an oral hearing on 19 June which took place via a video link. At the hearing, the panel took evidence from Smith's probation officer, the official supervising his case in prison, and a prison 54, also gave evidence to the panel. In a statement, the Parole Board said: "After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody, the recommendations of witnesses and the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was satisfied that imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public." Smith previously lost a bid to be released on parole in June the time, the Parole Board said there was a risk he would enter a new relationship and gain access to board said then it was in the public interest that he remained in prison.
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Tony Hudgell's mother is released from prison: Britain's worst parent who abused baby so badly he had to have his legs amputated is FREED from jail after serving just seven years
Tony Hudgell's evil biological mother has been released from prison just seven years after she was convicted of the sickening abuse that left him needing both of his legs amputated. Jody Simpson, then 24, was jailed in 2018 for 10 years alongside Tony's birth father Anthony Smith after they were both convicted of child cruelty offences. At just six-weeks-old, Tony suffered from broken fingers and toes, torn ligaments and contracted sepsis after his birth parents carried out the depraved abuse. The twisted couple left their innocent baby to suffer in agony for ten days before finally taking him to hospital. He was on the verge of death when medics first saw him, and due to the extreme level of torture he was subjected to, both of his legs had to be amputated in 2017. Despite being jailed for 10 years in 2018, Simpson, now 31, was freed from HMP Downview in Sutton today after the Parole Board approved her release under supervision. Simpson left the prison in a blacked-out car and was whisked away to a halfway house. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson told MailOnline: 'This was a horrific crime that saw Tony Hudgell mercilessly tortured by his birth parents and our thoughts remain with him and his loved ones. 'Now that Jody Simpson has been released as directed by the Independent Parole Board, she will be subject to strict supervision and licence conditions. She faces an immediate return to prison if she breaks the rules.' The decision to release Simpson has been harshly criticised by Tony's adoptive mother, Paula Hudgell who has warned the boy's biological mother 'remains a serious risk to children'. Mrs Hudgell wrote in a post on social media: 'After serving just two years on licence, she will be legally free to live as she chooses. This includes being around children -and even having another child. 'This situation underscores the urgent need for a national child cruelty register - a system to ensure that individuals with a history of harming children are monitored, restricted, and prevented from reoffending. 'Our children deserve protection. A register would not only help safeguard vulnerable young lives, but also bring peace of mind to communities across the country. 'It's time we put children's safety first.' Mrs Hudgell is now campaigning for the government to introduce a National Register of Child Abusers so those convicted of child cruelty can never work with young people and any future children they have will be taken into care. However, a letter from Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: 'Unfortunately the Department for Education is not in a position to be able to develop and deliver a child cruelty register at this time.' Mrs Hudgell said she was 'absolutely disappointed' by the response, but vowed to keep lobbying the government. 'We've got to keep pushing and pushing. But I won't give up, I won't back down,' she said. In 2021, Mrs Hudgell and Tony, who is now 10, successfully campaigned for the introduction of Tony's Law. It calls for child abusers to face possible life sentences and was enacted in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. Earlier this month, the Parole Board agreed to release the monster mother from jail after she had 'engaged with art psychotherapy…and victim awareness work'. Simpson had already been released from prison before in February 2024, but was recalled five months later after breaking her strict licence conditions by having 'a relationship with a convicted sex offender'. An application for her second release was made earlier this year to be heard in public, instead of in private as is usually the case. The appeal argued the proceedings should be able to be reported on due to the 'far reaching and profound in respect of life changing injuries caused to Tony'. Simpson opposed the public hearing as she believed she 'should be able to speak openly and honestly about her life, her own mental health, her work in custody including psychotherapy, her time on licence'. Refusing the application to have it held publicly, the Parole Board said in its judgement: 'Ms Simpson's behaviour in custody seems to have been good. 'On many occasions she was bullied by other prisoners who were aware of the nature of her offences and of the extensive publicity given to the case in the media. 'This has caused various difficulties for her during her sentence, which need not be detailed here.' It added: 'Ms Simpson continues to receive threats and experience bullying within the prison. There is a lot of name calling and verbal threats to harm her. 'Prior to release she was physically assaulted in her room. She is aware there are prisoners who will follow through with their threats and she tries to do all she can to keep herself safe. 'If a public hearing was granted, more people in the prison (and community) would know of her, and this would make any part of the prison unsafe for her, in turn impacting the prison officers' ability to maintain order in the prison and protect Ms Simpson from attacks. 'Ms Simpson will in any event be at risk of harm from other prisoners in the establishment and potentially in any future establishment and in the community due to the nature of the index offence and the threats she continually receives in this respect. 'Having a public hearing will cause the threats and bullying to escalate. The index offence stirs up strong feelings, and Ms Simpson has genuine fears for her safety.' Mrs Hudgell wrote in a post on social media: 'After serving just two years on licence, she will be legally free to live as she chooses. This includes being around children - and even having another child' Tony's biological father, Anthony Smith, has also lodged an appeal for an early release. An application was made for his parole hearing to be made public, but it was not granted and will instead be made in private. When it was revealed Jody Simpson would be released again, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: 'This was a horrific crime that saw Tony Hudgell mercilessly tortured 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.' Tony has previously been hailed a hero by Prince William and wife Kate over his extraordinary fundraising walks to help vulnerable children. He has won a Pride of Britain award for raising £1.7million for the hospital which started treating him and has also received the British Empire Medal for services to the prevention of child cruelty.
The Sun
19-06-2025
- The Sun
Evil dad abused my boy so badly he lost both his legs… but here's why I'd rather he be released from jail early
THE ADOPTIVE mum of a boy abused by his dad has revealed why she would rather he be released from prison early. Anthony Smith, 53, faces a parole hearing today which could see him freed early. 5 5 Smith and his partner Jody Simpson, 33, were both jailed for 10 years for the abuse of brave Tony, now 10. Simpson faced her parole hearing on May 19, and was cleared for release from prison - despite showing 'no remorse'. Now Tony's violent birth father is due to face his own hearing on June 19. But, Paula Hudgell, 57, who adopted Tony when he was just a baby, said she would almost rather the monster was released early license as he face would regular checks. This would not be the case if he reaches the end of his sentence in 2027 as he will face no conditions on his freedom. It means the evil abuser could change his identity, as he did several times before his trial, move wherever he wants and even come into contact with more children. Paula is now reiterating her plea to the government to introduce a child cruelty register, so monsters like Smith and Simpson will be tracked for the rest of their lives. She said: 'Ahead of Simpson's parole hearing I felt angry, just so angry, but for this one I am scared. 'I doubt he has shown a single shred of remorse, there will have been no rehabilitation, he will remain a terrifying, dangerous man and he could be coming out in a matter of weeks. 'This may sound horrible, but I'd almost rather he was released now - that way I know he'll be monitored, he'll be on license. Girl, 3, killed in 'human sacrifice by her mum to drive out spirits' 'But, if they deny his parole and push it back to the end of his sentence in August 2027 he will be released without any conditions at all. 'I am terrified he will change his name and just disappear, because at trial it was shown he was using a number of aliases. 'Smith and Simpson even disappeared while they were on bail and no one knew where they were, they both clearly know how to game the system, and what is to stop them doing it again? 'Some people say they're badly educated and didn't know better, some people even say their crimes aren't their fault because of that, but they are both clearly able to work the system. 'They both know exactly what to say to the authorities to get let out, they have legal representatives telling them how to comport themselves and so yet again, it is all about them and not about the victim - Tony. 'Smith will be free to hurt more children either this year or in a few years time all because there is no centralised register for child abusers. 'That's why I am urging MPs to listen to what we have to say - they may think we have a centralised system because that would make sense - but we don't. 'We need politicians to come together to protect children because otherwise monsters like Simpson and Smith and ones we haven't even heard of will be free to live their lives exactly how they want - putting more innocent kids at risk of harm or even death.' Smith was jailed in 2018 for 10 years after being convicted of causing or allowing a child to sustain an injury and neglect by failing to seek immediate medical attention Doctors discovered baby Tony had multiple catastrophic injuries to his tiny body - with both his birth parents failing to get him help before it was almost too late. The evil pair then waited 10 agonising days to get Tony the help he needed - with the tot almost dying due to infection. Both of his legs were amputated and the brave 10-year-old faces ongoing struggles due to the severity of the injuries inflicted on him. In June 2023, Smith launched an unsuccessful bid to be granted parole, with the Parole Board stating at the time he would not be released until 2027 - unless a suitable return to community arrangement was found. At the time, the Parole Board said: "Having considered the index offences, relevant patterns of previous offending and the other evidence before it, the panel listed as risk factors those influences which made it more likely that Mr Smith would reoffend. "At the time of his offending, these risk factors had included Mr Smith's chaotic life, his abuse of drugs and his use of alcohol. "He has acted recklessly and impulsively and has struggled to manage extreme emotions," the ruling continued. "The panel considered his relationships, isolation, boredom, poor decision making and an inability to deal with life's problems to be further areas of risk. Specifically, he has no concept of the responsibilities entailed in caring for a child." His former partner Simpson, Tony's birth mother, was released on license in February 2023, but was back in jail by May 2024 having breached her license by starting a relationship with a sex offender. The abuser was due to be automatically re-released earlier this year, but Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood stepped in – forcing Simpson to face a parole hearing on May 19. She will be released from prison in the coming weeks, with strict license conditions including reporting any new relationships to her probation officer, regular drug tests, a curfew and being fitted with a GPS tag. 5 5
The Sun
13-06-2025
- The Sun
Unremorseful' dad who abused son so severely docs had to amputate both his legs could be FREED from jail early
A VILE dad who left his son with such horrific injuries that his legs had to be amputated should not be allowed out of jail early, the Shadow Justice Secretary has blasted. Anthony Smith, 54, and his partner Jody Simpson, 33, were both jailed after little Tony Hudgell, now 10, was abused so badly as a baby that he ended up with multiple catastrophic injuries to his legs, hips and face. 5 5 5 Smith was jailed for 10 years in 2018 but could get out of prison early if the Parole Board deem he is no longer a risk to the public. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick has written to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood to call for her to step in and urge the Parole Board to keep him locked up. The Sun revealed last week that Simpson is now due to be released from prison imminently after it was ruled that she was no longer a risk to the public. Tony has been recognised with national awards after he raised more than £1.8 million for the hospital which saved his life. At the age of five, he challenged himself to walk every day in June to raise money for Evelina London Children's Charity, inspired by Captain Tom. In a joint letter signed by Jenrick, Shadow Solicitor General Helen Grant, and Shadow Minister for Justice Dr Kieran Mullan, they wrote: 'Last week the Parole Board authorised the release of Jody Simpson, whose extreme violent attack caused her infant son to lose both of his legs. 'The Board will now consider Anthony Smith, the boy's father and co-offender in this despicable crime, at a hearing fixed for 19th June. 'Tony Hudgell was forty-one days old when Smith and Simpson fractured his limbs, withheld medical care for ten days and caused injuries so grave that doctors were forced to amputate. 'At its most recent review in 2023 the Board found Smith impulsive, chaotic and unremorseful. "No material now before the public points to any improvement. 'Tony will live with the consequences for life. "If the man who inflicted those appalling injuries is released back into society after serving little more than two-thirds of his sentence, confidence in the justice system will erode. 'Parliament designed the sentencing and release regime to protect the public, not to serve an offender's timetable. 'We therefore urge you, as the statutory party to these proceedings, to scrutinise the dossier personally and to place clear, evidence-based representations before the Board before 19 June. 'The safety of vulnerable children - and public trust in our justice system - depend on it.' Tony's birth mother Simpson had been due for automatic release before the Justice Secretary stepped in and forced her to face a parole hearing. But despite her intervention, Simpson is set to walk free from prison and will spend just two years on license. Paula Hudgell, who adopted Tony as a baby, previously told The Sun: '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. If the man who inflicted those appalling injuries is released back into society after serving little more than two-thirds of his sentence, confidence in the justice system will erode. Robert JenrickShadow Justice Secretary "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 made the change with Tony's law and now future cases are supposed to get lengthier sentences. 'But with the Government's new policy to release prisoners including child abusers and paedophiles early it sort of makes a mockery of that new sentencing power. '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 abusers are properly punished.' 5
