‘Sickening’ news as baby abusers set to be released
The pair were responsible for horrific abuse
Evil parents who tortured their baby so badly he had to have his legs amputated are set to be released from prison this month.
Jody Simpson, 24, and Anthony Smith, 47, from Maidstone, have served just five years of their 10-year sentences for subjecting Tony Hudgell to the horrific abuse when he was just weeks old.
They were convicted of cruelty at Maidstone Crown Court in February 2018 but had already served time on remand while awaiting the trial.
Tony’s adoptive mum, Paula Hudgell, says news they are to be released is “sickening” and “like a blow to the stomach”.
The 54-year-old from Kings Hill was told by her victim liaison officer that Simpson is due out this week and Smith at the end of the month.
She told The Mirror: “These monsters have spent just five years behind bars while Tony faces a lifetime of challenges
as a result of their wickedness.
“They don’t go before the parole board or have to show any remorse to walk free. It’s like a blow to the stomach and makes me feel sick knowing those who abuse babies and children are free within a few years.
“These monsters could be living in your street and you wouldn’t have a clue.”
Simpson and Smith will be automatically released halfway through their sentences, accounting for time spent on remand.
Tony – who is aware his abusers will soon be released – was left with broken fingers and toes, as well as torn ligaments, in an attack just 41 days after his birth.
Rather than getting help, Smith and Simpson left him to suffer for 10 days. Tony contracted sepsis and was near death when they took him to a hospital.
Medics were eventually forced to amputate his legs because of the damage caused.
Police initially decided not to take action against his parents. They were only prosecuted when Paula and Tory MP Tom Tugendhat campaigned.
Smith and Simpson, of Whitstable, had denied causing or allowing serious physical harm to a child and cruelty to a person under 16, but were convicted unanimously after less than an hour of jury deliberation.
After their conviction, Paula pushed for and secured Tony’s Law – meaning sentences for causing a child’s death increase from 14 years to life. Those who cause serious harm can also get 14 years, rather than 10.