Tony Hudgell’s biological father to be released from prison

The biological father of a boy from Kent – who abused him so badly as a baby that both his legs had to be amputated – is to be released early from prison.

Tony Hudgell’s birth parents, Anthony Smith and Jody Simpson, were sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2018, but a decision was made in June to release Simpson.

Paula Hudgell, Tony’s adoptive mother from Kings Hill in Kent, said the parole board’s decision to also release Smith was “deeply upsetting” and “a betrayal of justice”, adding that he was “evil” and had not shown remorse for the harm he had caused Tony, now aged 10.

But the board said it was “satisfied that imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public”.

Ms Hudgell said: “This man caused immeasurable harm to Tony – damage that will last a lifetime – and yet he walks free while the victim continues to carry the weight of his actions every single day.

“There has been no remorse from Smith, no acknowledgment of the suffering he caused.

“Nothing about his behaviour suggests he has changed or taken responsibility.”

Tony Hudgell has raised millions of pounds for charity and became the youngest ever recipient of an honour when he received a British Empire Medal for services to the prevention of child abuse.

Last year, Tony underwent surgery to be fitted for new prosthetics to allow him to walk without crutches.

Smith’s release is subject to license conditions that include good behaviour, living at a designated address and disclosing developing relationships.

The case was considered in an oral hearing on 19 June which took place via a video link.

At the hearing, the panel took evidence from Smith’s probation officer, the official supervising his case in prison, and a prison psychologist.

Smith, 54, also gave evidence to the panel.

In a statement, the parole board said: “After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody, the recommendations of witnesses and the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was satisfied that imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public.”

Smith previously lost a bid to be released on parole in June 2023.

At the time, the parole board said there was a risk he would enter a new relationship and gain access to children.

It had added that it was in the public interest that he remained in prison.