Jody Simpson and her partner, Anthony Smith, were each sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2018 for a shocking act of cruelty against their son, Tony Hudgell, who is now 10 years old. At just 41 days old, Tony was brutally assaulted and then left untreated for 10 agonizing days. The assault caused multiple fractures, dislocations, blunt trauma to the face, and led to catastrophic complications including organ failure, toxic shock syndrome, and sepsis. As a result of the injuries, both of Tony’s legs were amputated.
Simpson had initially been scheduled for release on licence at the halfway point of her sentence in August 2022. However, that release was paused when her case was referred to the Parole Board. Following an oral hearing, the Board has now confirmed that she will be released.
Tony’s adoptive mother, Paula Hudgell, has expressed outrage at the decision, pointing out that Tony continues to suffer from the injuries inflicted by Simpson. The public has widely condemned the early release, reigniting calls for tougher sentencing for child abusers. Tony’s story had previously sparked national outrage and led to the creation of stronger laws targeting serious crimes against children.
The case helped inspire what became known as Tony’s Law, a legislative change aimed at imposing harsher penalties on child abusers. Supporters of the law argue that individuals who commit such heinous crimes should serve significantly longer sentences and not benefit from standard early-release provisions. The law was championed by a number of politicians who have continued to voice their support for Tony and his adoptive family.
Tony has shown remarkable resilience in the years since the attack. He has become a symbol of courage and determination, turning his personal tragedy into advocacy and fundraising efforts for other children in need. His achievements have even been recognised by members of the Royal Family.
The Parole Board stated that its decision to release Simpson was based strictly on an assessment of the risk she may pose to the public. It emphasized that the decision-making process includes a careful review of the original offence, any evidence of behavioural change, the potential impact on victims, and whether any remaining risk can be managed under supervision in the community.
The Board stressed that its first priority is public safety, and that all parole reviews are conducted with great care. Simpson will be subject to strict supervision and licence conditions upon her release. Any breach of these conditions would lead to her immediate return to custody.
Although Smith, the co-defendant in the case, had also been due for automatic release in 2022, his release was similarly blocked at the time amid concerns about the gravity of his crimes and public safety.
The early release of Simpson has reignited a broader debate around sentencing policies, the rights of victims, and the balance between rehabilitation and justice. For many, the case is a stark reminder of the lifelong consequences of child abuse and the limitations of the current legal system in delivering what they see as true justice.
