The father of Tony Hudgell, a 10-year-old boy hailed as a hero, was released from prison recently, following the release of the boy’s mother. Anthony Smith, aged 54, had been sentenced to 10 years in 2018 for causing severe injuries to baby Tony, resulting in the amputation of both his legs. Smith was granted parole on June 19 and is now out under strict monitoring conditions, including wearing a GPS tag and remaining in a specified location, with the risk of returning to prison if he violates the terms.
Tony, who received the British Empire Medal for his fundraising efforts, still grapples with the enduring impact of his parents’ actions. Paula Hudgell, Tony’s adoptive mother, expressed concerns about Smith’s lack of remorse and the potential risks posed by his release. Both Smith and Tony’s birth mother, Jody Simpson, were convicted of neglecting the child’s injuries and failing to seek timely medical attention.
Simpson, who served around six years of a 10-year sentence, faced challenges with her release due to breaching conditions related to a relationship with a sex offender. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood intervened to ensure Simpson faced a parole hearing and was released under stringent conditions, including GPS tagging and regular drug tests.
While acknowledging the parole system’s limitations, Paula expressed worries about Simpson’s future actions once her restrictions expire. The Probation Service emphasized the severity of the crime and the strict supervision Smith will be under, with the possibility of immediate return to prison for any rule violations.