What Happened to Tony Hudgell? The Story of Abuse, Survival and Why His Parents' Release Shocks Britain

Tony Hudgell, a 10-year-old from Kent, has become a national symbol of resilience after surviving horrific abuse at just 41 days old.

His biological parents, Anthony Smith and Jody Simpson, were convicted in 2018 of child cruelty so severe it led to the amputation of both his legs.

Smith was released early from prison on Tuesday, following Simpson's release earlier this year, sparking fury across Britain over how such offenders were freed under licence.

Tony's catalogue of injuries included multiple fractures, sepsis and organ failure, forcing doctors to amputate both legs.

Since then, he has endured 23 operations, lives with a dislocated hip and suffers hearing loss. His survival, despite unimaginable suffering, has made his case one of the most widely recognised examples of child abuse in the UK.

The Sentencing of His Parents

Anthony Smith and Jody Simpson were both sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2018 for their crimes, as reported by The Nightly. The court heard details of how Tony was left with untreated injuries that caused permanent disability.

Public outrage at the relatively short sentences led to calls for tougher punishments for severe child cruelty. Campaigners argued that children who had suffered the most serious harm deserved stronger protections under the law.

Tony's Resilience and Fundraising Achievements

Despite the devastating start to his life, Tony has become a beacon of hope. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he completed a 10 kilometre charity walk using prosthetic legs.

The effort raised more than £1.7 million ($2.30 million) for Evelina London Children's Hospital, the medical centre that helped save his life.

His achievements have been recognised nationally. Tony has received the Pride of Britain Young Fundraiser of the Year Award, the Points of Light Award, and the British Citizen Youth Award.

In the 2024 New Year Honours he was awarded a British Empire Medal, becoming the youngest recipient ever. His determination and positivity have made him a source of inspiration for many across the UK.

The Impact of Tony's Law

The campaign led by Tony's adoptive family resulted in significant legal reform. Known as 'Tony's Law', the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 increased the maximum sentence for causing serious harm to a child from 10 years to 14 years, and introduced a life sentence where a child dies.

The legislation was hailed as a landmark step in child protection, ensuring tougher penalties for those convicted of the most serious abuse cases.

Release of Tony Hudgell's Parents

In June 2025, Jody Simpson was released from prison, having previously been recalled in 2024 for breaching parole conditions.

Yesterday, Smith was released under strict licence conditions, including GPS monitoring and remaining at an agreed location, The Sun UK reported. His adoptive mother, Paula Hudgell, has voiced concern about his apparent lack of remorse and warned that these measures will end in two years.

Tony's adoptive mother, Paula Hudgell, has spoken publicly about her fears over their release. She has warned that neither parent has shown any remorse and that the short period of licence supervision leaves children at risk once the conditions expire.

Public Reaction and Safety Concerns

The early release of Tony Hudgell's parents has prompted widespread criticism. Members of the public have expressed concern that the justice system is failing to protect children from dangerous offenders.

Paula Hudgell described the system as 'broken' and said more must be done to keep high-risk individuals from reoffending.

The case has reignited debate about sentencing, parole and child safety in the UK. Many see Tony's story not only as one of survival but also as a test of how far Britain has come in ensuring justice for victims of the most serious abuse.