Early Release of Abusive Mum Sparks Outrage in Tony Hudgell Case
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the woman who abused her newborn son so horrifically that he had to have both legs amputated is about to walk free from prison. Yes, Jody Simpson, the biological mother of Tony Hudgell, is being released early despite the gravity of the crimes she committed against her own baby. It’s a decision that’s sparked nationwide outrage, and honestly, I think it should.
Let’s go back to what happened. Tony Hudgell was just 41 days old when his birth parents, Jody Simpson and Anthony Smith, inflicted unspeakable abuse on him. We’re talking about multiple fractures, dislocations, blunt trauma to his face, and then they left him untreated for ten days. Ten days of pain and suffering for a helpless infant. This torture led to toxic shock, organ failure, and ultimately, sepsis. As a result of the injuries, both of Tony’s legs had to be amputated.
In 2018, Simpson and Smith were each sentenced to 10 years in prison for their crimes. At the time, it felt like justice had been served — at least to some degree. But now, Simpson is being released on licence, which means she’s getting out halfway through her sentence. The original decision to delay her release was made by then-Justice Secretary Dominic Raab, who referred the case to the Parole Board. But now the Board has confirmed that Simpson will indeed be set free.
Also Read:- Loblaw Drops Folgers Coffee Amid Price Dispute to Shield Shoppers
- Why Friday the 13th Still Haunts Our Collective Imagination
Tony’s adoptive mother, Paula Hudgell, has spoken out. And who can blame her? She wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Tony has life long injuries every day he suffers due to her hands.” Imagine raising a child every day with visible reminders of what someone else did to them — and knowing that person is now free.
Tony's story actually sparked a major public push for tougher sentencing for child abusers. That’s where “Tony’s Law” came from — a campaign led by MP Tom Tugendhat to make sure that no other child has to suffer like this without lifelong consequences for their abusers. Tugendhat also voiced his disapproval of Simpson’s early release, calling for stronger protections for vulnerable children like Tony.
Despite everything, Tony has shown more courage than most adults. At just five years old, he raised over a million pounds for charity by walking 10km on his prosthetic legs. He's been honored by the Royal Family, met with the Prince of Wales, and even received the British Empire Medal — becoming the youngest person ever to do so.
The Parole Board says their decision is based solely on the risk Simpson poses to the public now, not what she did in the past. But how do we separate the two? How can a crime this severe ever be forgiven by time alone?
This isn’t just a legal issue — it’s a moral one. When someone permanently changes a child’s life through violence, should they really be granted the chance to rebuild their own so easily?
The justice system may have closed her case, but for Tony and his family, the sentence is lifelong.
Read More:
0 Comments