Jody Simpson, the mother who abused her baby son Tony Hudgell so horrifically that he had to have both his legs amputated, is back in jail after ‘having a fling with a sex offender.’
Tony Hudgell, now nine, suffered multiple injuries, organ failure, and sepsis at the hands of his mother, Jody Simpson, and her partner, Anthony Smith, when he was just six weeks old. The pair were jailed for ten years in 2018, but Simpson was released last February.
However, Simpson is now back in prison after breaking her strict licence conditions by having ‘a relationship with a convicted sex offender,’ The Sun has reported.
Tony’s adoptive mother, Paula, from West Malling, Kent, was notified of the update last week. Paula expressed her shock and relief at Simpson’s re-incarceration, emphasizing the danger Simpson posed to society.
“Tony Hudgell was abused so horrifically as a baby he had to have both legs amputated.”
- Image: Tony Hudgell showing an invitation to a garden party at Buckingham Palace
- Image: Jody Simpson and Anthony Smith, jailed for ten years in 2018 for the abuse of Tony
Tony’s Law
Tony’s Law, named after Tony Hudgell, is an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill voted by ministers on November 30, 2021. It increases the maximum penalty for causing or allowing serious physical harm to a child from ten to 14 years, while causing the death of a child will rise from 14 years to life. The law aims to ensure stricter sentences for those convicted of child cruelty and neglect.
Simpson’s Return to Prison
A spokesperson for the HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) stated: “We don’t hesitate to recall offenders to custody if they break the rules.” MailOnline has contacted HMPPS for further comment.
Tony, who has had prosthetics on his lower legs since he was a toddler, has met the Princess of Wales several times. In March, he underwent life-changing surgery in Sheffield to enhance his mobility into his teenage years and adulthood. Paula thanked the Sheffield Children’s Hospital staff for their exceptional care.
Inspirational Fundraising and Recognition
Tony, who has won a Pride of Britain award, previously raised £2 million for charity by walking long distances on his crutches. He initially set out to raise £500 for Evelina London Children’s Hospital, which saved his life, by walking 10km in 30 days in 2020. His effort was inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised over £33 million walking in his backyard.
After completing his big walk, Tony met the Prince and Princess of Wales, who spent time chatting with him when they attended the Together At Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey last year. Tony has also met Prince Harry and a string of celebrities. In 2022, he was singled out for his inspiration by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Continued Support and Recognition
Paula said of Tony: “He takes all of it in his stride, so to speak. He is just amazing. He’s very much a people person. He can capture a room of people and will talk to them all.”
Last December, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis posted letters to Tony at their mother’s annual Christmas service. Tony’s inspiring story and the changes it brought about in child protection laws continue to resonate with the public and authorities alike.
Tony has also inspired a change to English law known as ‘Tony’s Law,’ enacted in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. Tony’s Law called for increased prison sentences for those convicted of child cruelty and neglect.
