Abuse Victim’s Mother Released From Prison After Six Years
The release of Jody Simpson, the mother who inflicted horrific abuse on her baby son, has ignited widespread outrage. Despite the severe injuries that caused her son to have both legs amputated, she’s now free, while the child continues to face lifelong consequences.
The Release and Its Aftermath
Jody Simpson, 33, has been released from prison after serving roughly six years of her ten-year sentence. She and her partner, Anthony Smith, were convicted in 2018 for causing or allowing the torture of their son, Tony Hudgell, who is now ten.
Tony Hudgell, who is the youngest recipient of the British Empire Medal for his fundraising, has endured significant challenges due to the injuries he sustained. Simpson was initially released on license in February 2023, only to be sent back to prison less than a year later.
“It just feels very unfair that Simpson is now free to live her life and Tony is still dealing with the consequences of her actions and will be for life.”
—Paula Hudgell, Tony’s Adoptive Mother
Simpson is now subject to strict license conditions, including reporting new relationships and regular drug testing. Data from the Prison Reform Trust indicates that re-offending rates are a significant concern, with nearly half of released prisoners being re-convicted within a year (Prison Reform Trust, 2024).
Previous Offenses
Simpson was recalled to prison after she started a relationship with a sex offender, violating her conditions. Though scheduled for automatic re-release earlier this year, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood intervened, leading to a parole hearing in May.
Simpson and Smith were convicted of causing injury to a child and neglecting him by failing to seek medical attention. Doctors discovered numerous severe injuries to Tony’s body, which required amputation of both legs. Tony continues to deal with the lasting effects of this abuse.
Advocacy for Change
Paula Hudgell, who adopted Tony, stated that Simpson is now free. She is campaigning for a national Child Cruelty Register, similar to the sex offenders register. This register would provide continuous monitoring to prevent future incidents of abuse, according to Hudgell.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson acknowledged the horrific nature of the crime. They stated that Simpson will be under strict supervision and face immediate return to prison for any rule breaches.
The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by survivors of child abuse and the importance of protective measures.
