Latest news with #AnthonySmith
The Independent
5 days ago
- The Independent
Mother who abused her baby so badly his legs had to be amputated to be released from prison
A mother who abused her newborn son so badly that he had to have both legs amputated is due to be released early from prison. Tony Hudgell was just 41 days old when he was assaulted by Jody Simpson and her partner Anthony Smith in 2018. He was left in agony for 10 days with his injuries untreated until he was taken to hospital for multiple fractures, blunt trauma to the face, and bone dislocations. As well as having his legs amputated, he also endured organ failure and sepsis. His birth parents were convicted of causing or allowing their baby to sustain injury and of wilful neglect. They were each sentenced to 10 years in prison. However, Simpson is set for release just seven years into her sentence, three years after a previous release date was put on hold due to an intervention from then-justice secretary Dominic Raab. After being treated for his injuries, Tony, now aged 10, is with his adoptive parents Paula and Mark Hudgell from Kent. Criticising the decision, Mrs Hudgell, who has campaigned for tougher jail sentences for convicted child abusers, wrote on X: "Tony has life-long injuries every day he suffers due to her hands.' Tony has since helped raise millions for charity through completing a series of challenges, and has received the British Empire Medal for services to the prevention of child abuse. A spokesperson for the Parole Board 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 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."
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Daily Mail
Tony Hudgell's mother could be released from prison just SEVEN years after being locked up for sick abuse that saw boy lose both his legs as a toddler
The evil mother who abused little Tony Hudgell so badly that he lost his legs is to be freed early from prison, just seven years after being locked up for carrying out the sick torture. Jody Simpson, 31, was jailed in 2018 for 10 years alongside Tony's birth father Anthony Smith after they were both convicted of child cruelty offences. Tony suffered from broken fingers and toes, torn ligaments and contracted sepsis after his birth parents carried out the depraved abuse when he was just six-weeks-old. They left him to suffer in agonising pain for ten days before taking him to hospital. He was on the verge of death when medics first saw him, and due to the extreme level of abuse he suffered, both of his legs needed to be amputated in 2017. But the Parole Board has agreed to release the monster mother from prison, The Mirror reported, after she had 'engaged with art psychotherapy…and victim awareness work'. Tony's adoptive mother, Paula Hudgell, criticised the decision and warned Simpson 'remains a serious risk to children'. Simpson was released in February 2024 but was recalled to prison in June last year following 'a relationship with a convicted sex offender'. Tory MP Tom Tugendhat has posted his support to Tony 'as he faces the early release of his abuser'. The board had in March rejected an application for the hearing to be held in public. They told the BBC their 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'. 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.' Tony has previously been hailed a hero by Prince William and wife Kate over his extraordinary fundraising walks to help vulnerable 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' Princess Kate Middleton pictured with Tony at the Day Centre at the Westminster Hospital 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 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. In addition to raising the impressive sum, the youngster also inspired an English law change, known as 'Tony's Law', enacted in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. Tony's Law calls for increased prison sentences for those convicted of child cruelty and neglect. 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.'
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Tony Hudgell's birth mother Jody Simpson to be freed from prison
The birth mother of Tony Hudgell, who injured him so badly as a baby his legs had to be amputated, is to be released from 2018 Tony's birth parents Anthony Smith and Jody Simpson were sentenced to 10 years in was adopted by Paula and Mark Hudgell, from Kent, and has since raised millions of pounds for charity through a series of challenges.A spokesperson for the parole board confirmed a panel had directed that Simpson be released following an oral hearing. Both Simpson and Smith had denied assaulting, ill treating or neglecting their Hudgell posted on social media criticising the said: "Tony has life long injuries every day he suffers due to her hands."In 2024, Tony, from West Malling, underwent surgery to be fitted for new prosthetics to allow him to walk without has received the British Empire Medal for services to the prevention of child abuse. The parole board spokesperson said decisions were "solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community".They added: "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."They said hundreds of pages of evidence and reports would have been read in the lead up to an oral also said 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 added: "Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority."
Ya Biladi
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Ya Biladi
Fundraiser launched to help repatriate two tourists who died in Agadir crash
A fundraiser launched in memory of two English men of Jamaican origin who died in a car crash in Morocco has raised over £3,800 in just two weeks. Cameron Smith, 27, a father of one, and Anthony Smith, 48, tragically lost their lives earlier this month when a driver collided with their car in Agadir. Their friend, Tyrone Smith, who was also in the vehicle, was seriously injured and underwent emergency surgery at a Moroccan hospital. Nearly 140 people have donated to the fundraiser, which was set up to support the victims' families and help cover medical and repatriation costs. «We've lost two amazing souls, and Tyrone has a long road to recovery. We are overwhelmed by the support and generosity shown by everyone», said a family friend on the fundraising page. The inquests for Cameron and Anthony were opened last Thursday at Black Country Coroners Court. Moroccan police confirmed that a local driver was arrested following the fatal collision, which occurred on May 4. The families are now navigating the difficult process of bringing their loved ones home—a journey made even more complex by the circumstances of an overseas accident.
New York Post
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Was Anthony Smith's retirement tribute warranted?
Anthony Smith's retirement fight was a source of controversy after he was given a video tribute similar to those who are inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. With Smith being a part of the UFC production, many fans believe the fighter, who did not become champion in his career, was shown some heavy favoritism. So, did Anthony Smith deserve his retirement tribute? Jake Aryeh and Scott Fontana break it down on this week's episode of Against The Cage. Full episode:
