Heartless mum who tortured baby son so badly he lost his legs could be FREED from jail in new legal bid
A HEARTLESS mum who tortured her baby son so badly he lost his legs could be freed from jail if her fresh legal bid is successful.
Jody Simpson and boyfriend Anthony Smith were caged for ten years for horrifically abusing Tony Hudgell when he was six weeks old.
The tot was left with numerous life-threatening and life-changing limb fractures, multiple organ failure and sepsis.
Tony, now aged eight, was forced to have his legs amputated at the knee but has found happiness with adopted parents Paula and Mark Hudgell.
Simpson and Smith were due to be automatically released on licence halfway through their sentences in summer this year.
But Justice Secretary Dominic Raab stepped in at the last minute to block their release using new powers concerning dangerous offenders.
Simpson has now taken the case to the High Court where lawyers will argue the eleventh-hour move by Mr Raab was unlawful.
If successful, she would no longer require a Parole Board decision to leave prison and could be out within 48 hours after the judge hands down the decision.
Evil Smith could then also be released from jail in a double blow to Tony and his family.
Paula, 54, is aware of the hearing, which takes place tomorrow, but has no input in it.
Speaking from the family home in Kings Hill, Kent, the mum-of-eight said: “I have always known they would be freed at some point but the fact they have spent a few more months in prison for what they did to Tony offers some comfort.
“I can’t have any say in what happens at the High Court – it’s all down to the lawyers – but whether Simpson and Smith are released next week, next month or in the new year it once again highlights the need for a child cruelty register so the authorities can keep track of not just them but all monsters who physically abuse children.”
Mr Raab exercised the powers after they were introduced under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.
The move now means offenders have to stay behind bars and await a Parole Board hearing to prove they no longer pose a risk to the public rather than being automatically released.
Speaking at the time, the MP said: “The first duty of government is to protect the most vulnerable.
“I will do everything in my power to prevent another child enduring the abuse inflicted on Tony.”
Little Tony was subjected to a string of “spiteful, vigorous assaults” in the 41 days after he was born.
The baby was then left to suffer with multiple injuries for ten days after cruel Simpson and Smith refused to get help.
When he was eventually taken to hospital, medics found he had suffered broken fingers and toes, as well as torn ligaments.
Tony also had multiple organ failure, septicaemia, toxic shock syndrome and fractures to both thighs, lower legs, ankles, toes and thumbs.
The baby was placed on life support due to a mass in his brain and his legs were amputated due to damage caused by Simpson and Smith swinging him around so violently.
Tony’s devastating injuries means he would have special needs for life, needing prosthetic legs, and leaving him partially deaf.
He has lived with Paula and Mark since he was four months old and has since raised more than £1,7million for the Evelina hospital where his life was saved.
The incredible youngster also helped increase maximum jail terms for those who cause or allow physical harm to a child from 10 years to 14 years thanks to the introduction of Tony’s Law.
His adopted parents campaigned for Simpson and Smith to face justice after prosecutors initially argued there was not enough evidence to convict.
The heartless pair were each jailed for 10 years in February 2018 after being convicted of child cruelty and causing or allowing serious physical harm to a child.
Paula is now calling for a child cruelty register which would operate in a similar way to the sex offender’s register.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “The Deputy Prime Minister referred this case to the Parole Board under new powers designed to keep the public safe from dangerous offenders.
“As legal proceedings are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”
