Evil Parents Who Abused Baby Tony Hudgell Walk Free as Family Left Heartbroken

The man who left baby Tony Hudgell fighting for his life with such severe injuries that both his legs had to be amputated has walked free from jail. Anthony Smith, 54, was sentenced to ten years in 2018 after his son, then just 41 days old, was found in a critical condition with catastrophic injuries, according to the Mirror.

Tony, now ten, has inspired the nation with his courage, becoming the youngest ever recipient of the British Empire Medal for his incredible fundraising. But the scars of his parents’ cruelty will never heal.

Despite this, Smith was released on Tuesday after being granted parole in June. He will be monitored under strict conditions, including wearing a GPS tag and remaining in an approved location. Any breach will see him recalled to prison.

His release comes just weeks after Tony’s birth mother, Jody Simpson, 34, was also freed. She was jailed alongside Smith for causing or allowing a child to suffer injury and for neglect after failing to seek urgent medical help.

Tony’s adoptive mum, Paula Hudgell, said the news is still devastating. “I knew this day would come and that he would eventually be released from prison – but it is still hard to take. The only good thing is that he will be heavily monitored for the next two years. But I worry what will happen after that. I have seen no evidence that Smith has any remorse for what he’s done – or even any understanding of the effect he’s had on Tony’s life”.

“Tony will be living with his injuries for the rest of his life, they will never go away, because of what Smith and his former partner did to their baby. Smith is a danger to children and, if he doesn’t get recalled in the next two years for breaching his licence, he will be free to do as he pleases. This system is clearly broken – we need something to stop child abusers from acting in this way again.”

Doctors found Tony had multiple life-threatening injuries after the abuse. Simpson and Smith failed to get him any medical help until it was almost too late. Both were sentenced to ten years, but neither served the full term.

Simpson was first released in February 2023 after serving only five years. Less than a year later she was recalled for breaching her licence by starting a relationship with a sex offender. She was eventually forced to face a parole hearing in May this year after Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood intervened, but was again released in June under strict conditions. For the next two years she must report new relationships to her probation officer, undergo regular drug tests, and wear a GPS tag.

Paula, from West Malling in Kent, has spoken out against the system. “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.”

A spokesperson for the Probation Service 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 his release, Anthony Smith will be subject to strict supervision and licence conditions. He faces an immediate return to prison if he breaks the rules.”