Vile mum who abused Tony Hudgell so badly he lost legs to be released early

Daily Record

2 days ago

Jody Simpson caused Tony near-fatal injuries when he was just six weeks old. The Parole Board has ruled she can be released from prison.
The despicable mother who inflicted such horrific abuse on young Tony Hudgell that he lost his legs is set to be released from prison, it has been revealed today.
The Parole Board has decided that Jody Simpson, now 31, responsible for causing near-fatal injuries to Tony when he was just six weeks old, is eligible for release. The board stated her continued incarceration is "no longer necessary for the protection of the public" following her participation in rehabilitation programmes while incarcerated.
Simpson and her partner Tony Smith, 54, the biological parents of Tony, were handed a 10-year jail term in February 2018 for causing multiple fractures, dislocations, and blunt force trauma to Tony's face.
The child suffered without medical attention, enduring excruciating pain for 10 days. In the past few years, Tony, who was adopted by Mark and Paula Hudgell, has raised £1.8 million for charity, with a significant portion collected during the Covid pandemic as he walked 10km (6.2 miles) on his prosthetic limbs, reports the Mirror.
Simpson was initially released in February this year at the halfway point of her sentence but was re-incarcerated in May after violating her licence conditions by engaging "in a relationship with a convicted sex offender". However, the Parole Board has now noted she has "engaged with art psychotherapy...and victim awareness work."
They have reported that her conduct while in custody has been "without issue".
Speaking today, Mrs Hudgell, 57, from West Malling, Kent, said: "Tony has lifelong injuries every day he suffered due to her hands. Two years on license, then she will be free completely to hurt another child or conceal a pregnancy again. The justice system is so wrong."
A spokesperson for the Parole Board stated: "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 carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime 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."
Last month, little Tony was the guest of honour at a Buckingham Palace garden party, where he had the opportunity to meet Prince William. His remarkable achievements in fundraising have garnered him widespread recognition.
In 2020, at just five years old, Tony Hudgell set out to raise £509 for Evelina Children's Hospital by walking 10km on his prosthetic limbs. Astonishingly, he went on to collect a staggering £1.8 million for the hospital which saved his life.
Jeremy Roberts KC, from the Parole Board, has previously lauded Tony for his tremendous courage. 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."
Roberts further applauded Tony for raising substantial funds for the NHS during the pandemic. He added: "He raised a large sum of money for the NHS during the pandemic. He has received a number of awards for his achievements (the British Empire Medal, a Pride of Britain award and the Order of the British Empire). He was watched by millions of people within the United Kingdom and beyond when he received the Pride of Britain Award and he was personally invested as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
"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 death a sentence of life imprisonment is now available."
Simpson's partner, Smith, was refused parole in 2023. He is due another hearing, which will be conducted in private.