Boy who was tortured so badly by his own mum that he lost his legs is ‘scared’ as she could be freed from jail in weeks
A BOY who lost his legs after being tortured by his own mum is “scared” as she could be freed from jail in just weeks.
Jody Simpson and boyfriend Anthony Smith were caged for ten years for horrifically abusing Tony Hudgell when he was six weeks old.
The tot was left with numerous life-threatening and life-changing limb fractures, multiple organ failure and sepsis.
Tony, now aged eight, was forced to have his legs amputated at the knee but has found happiness with adopted parents Paula and Mark Hudgell.
Paula, 54, is now calling for a national register for child abusers.
She told The Mirror: “He is very angry with them and angry they could be allowed out of prison.
“He is quite scared and anxious. The abuse he suffered hurts him every day. He has often asked ‘When will my legs grow back?’.
“I hope the panel will listen to every word I have to say. They have no right to complain if their release is denied.”
Simpson and Smith were due to be automatically released on licence halfway through their sentences in summer this year.
But Justice Secretary Dominic Raab stepped in at the last minute to block their release using new powers concerning dangerous offenders.
However Simpson has now taken the case to the High Court where lawyers will argue the eleventh-hour move by Mr Raab was unlawful.
It means she and Smith could be freed in January within 48 hours if she wins the challenge.
Little Tony was subjected to a string of “spiteful, vigorous assaults” in the 41 days after he was born.
The baby was then left to suffer with multiple injuries for ten days after cruel Simpson and Smith refused to get help.
When he was eventually taken to hospital, medics found he had suffered broken fingers and toes, as well as torn ligaments.
Tony also had multiple organ failure, septicaemia, toxic shock syndrome and fractures to both thighs, lower legs, ankles, toes and thumbs.
The baby was placed on life support due to a mass in his brain and his legs were amputated due to damage caused by Simpson and Smith swinging him around so violently.
Tony’s devastating injuries means he would have special needs for life, needing prosthetic legs, and leaving him partially deaf.
He has lived with Paula and Mark since he was four months old and has since raised more than £1,7million for the Evelina hospital where his life was saved.
The incredible youngster also helped increase maximum jail terms for those who cause or allow physical harm to a child from 10 years to 14 years thanks to the introduction of Tony’s Law.
