Anguish as monster mum is set to go free
A MUM who adopted courageous Tony Hudgell – the amputee who inspired Britain – has slammed news that his abuser is about to walk free.
Paula and Mark Hudgell gave baby Tony a home after he was battered by his birth parents.
Jody Simpson and Anthony Smith were jailed for 10 years after Paula, 53, campaigned for justice.
But Simpson, 27, has now applied for day release and could go free as soon as August.
Mum-of-eight Paula, of Kings Hill, Kent, said: “It feels so unfair. Our boy faces a lifetime of challenges – why can’t his abusers face a lifetime of punishment? The morning we were told about Simpson, Tony was in pain from his hands and struggling to write as they are so swollen.
“Every day, he has to overcome injuries they inflicted. Yet the monsters that caused his suffering have the gall to ask for day release.” Now seven, Tony was three when his legs were amputated because of his injuries. He went on to raise £1.6million with a six-mile walk over 30 days, wearing prosthetic limbs, and received a Mirror Pride of Britain Award in October.
Tony was barely six weeks old when Simpson and Smith, 53, inflicted eight limb fractures and head trauma.
He is deaf in one ear and needed 23 operations and eight transfusions.
The evil couple, of Whitstable, Kent, were given 10 years in 2018 for cruelty but will be freed once they have served half, minus time on remand. Paula launched the “Tony’s Law” campaign and secured tougher sentences for cruelty. The Ministry of Justice said: “Tony and his adoptive parents led an inspiring campaign. This Government is committed to protecting the most vulnerable.”