A mother who abused her child so badly he had to have his legs amputated is to be released early from prison.
Jody Simpson and Anthony Smith were both jailed for 10 years in 2018 for torturing their son, Tony Hudgell, who is now 10.
He was just 41 days old when he was assaulted by the pair and left untreated and in agony for 10 days.
The attack caused multiple fractures, dislocations and blunt trauma to the face, leading to organ failure, toxic shock and sepsis.
The damage meant both his legs had to be amputated.
Simpson was due to be released on licence at the halfway point of her prison sentence in August 2022.
However, then justice secretary Dominic Raab referred her case to the Parole Board and her release was put on hold.
A spokesperson for the Parole Board on Wednesday confirmed Simpson was set to be released.
Paula Hudgell, Tony’s adoptive mother, criticised the decision in a social media post.
“Tony has life long injuries every day he suffers due to her hands,” she wrote on X.
Tony’s case led to a public outcry and calls for child abusers to be given life behind bars.
Tory MP Tom Tugendhat, who led a campaign for the changes, which are also known as Tony’s Law, said on X: “I’m backing Tony as he faces the early release of his abuser – his birth mum.
“Tony lives every day with the pain caused by her crimes as a baby. We must do more to protect children like him.”
Tony has since gone on to be a successful fundraiser for charity – for which he has been honoured by the Royal Family.
Read more:
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A statement from 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.”
It added: “Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.”
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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.”
Smith was due for automatic release in early September 2022, but his early release was blocked at the time.
