The cruel father of Tony Hudgell, who suffered severe abuse as a baby resulting in the amputation of both his legs, is set to be released from jail this Weekweek. Anthony Smith, 54, was sentenced to ten years in prison in 2018 and has been granted parole effective from June 19.
Parole Conditions
Smith will be released under strict conditions, which include wearing a GPS monitor and residing at an agreed location. This release comes just two months after Tony’s birth mother, 34-year-old Jody Simpson, was also freed. Both were convicted of causing or allowing Tony’s injuries and failing to seek medical help for him.
Tony’s Resilience
Tony, who was just 41 days old at the time of the abuse, has shown remarkable resilience and is now the youngest recipient of the British Empire Medal for his fundraising efforts.
Concerns Over Release
His adoptive mother, Paula Hudgell, 57, expressed her concerns about Smith’s release: “I have seen no evidence that Smith has any remorse for what he’s done – or even any understanding of the effect he’s had on Tony’s life.”
She added, “Tony will be living with his injuries for the rest of his life, they will never go away, because of what Smith and his former partner did to their baby. Smith is a danger to children and, if he doesn’t get recalled in the next two years for breaching his license, he will be free to do as he pleases.”
Paula concluded by stating, “It feels so unfair that Tony will go on living with his limitations, and soon the person who gave him those limitations will have none. This system is clearly broken – we need something to stop child abusers from acting in this Wayway.”
