Tony Hudgell's birth mother to be freed from prison

The birth mother of Tony Hudgell, who injured him so badly as a baby his legs had to be amputated, is to be released from prison.

In 2018 Tony's birth parents Anthony Smith and Jody Simpson were sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Tony was adopted by Paula and Mark Hudgell, from Kent, and has since raised millions of pounds for charity through a series of challenges.

A spokesperson for the parole board confirmed a panel had directed that Simpson be released following an oral hearing.

Both Simpson and Smith had denied assaulting, ill treating or neglecting their child.

Mrs Hudgell posted on social media criticising the release.

She said: "Tony has life long injuries every day he suffers due to her hands."

In 2024, Tony, from West Malling, underwent surgery to be fitted for new prosthetics to allow him to walk without crutches.

He has received the British Empire Medal for services to the prevention of child abuse.

The parole board spokesperson said decisions were "solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community".

They added: "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."

Hundreds of pages of evidence and reports would have been read in the lead up to an oral hearing, they said.

They also said evidence from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements may be given at the hearing.

"Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority," they added.

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."

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