A former Big Brother contestant, jailed for her part in a horrific petrol bomb attack outside a nightclub, has been released from prison after serving just 11 weeks of her sentence.
From Reality TV to a Firebomb Plot
Simone Reed, a 37-year-old glamour model and mother-of-five, was sentenced to two years and four months in October this year. She had admitted assisting an intended arson after helping her boyfriend, Carl Wild, prepare a Molotov cocktail. The pair were captured on CCTV kissing and hugging at a petrol station in Redcar, North Yorkshire, after buying fuel for the weapon on February 15.
The court heard how the couple became involved in a violent argument with a man, David Brotton, outside a busy nightclub. Wild then threw the makeshift petrol bomb directly at Mr Brotton's head, setting him instantly alight. Disturbing footage showed the victim desperately trying to quell the flames by throwing himself to the ground.
An Early Christmas Release
Despite her tearful reaction at sentencing, Reed has now been freed in time for the festive season under the Home Detention Curfew (HDC) scheme. She was photographed this week carrying multiple shopping bags from discount retailer B&M, reportedly filled with Christmas presents.
Reed took to social media to celebrate her return, writing: 'Merry Christmas – back home with my babies. 2026 is going to be our year.' According to reports, she also boasted about the brevity of her time behind bars, replying to a friend: 'I only did 11 weeks, it flew.' This means she served less than a tenth of her original custodial term.
How Was This Early Release Possible?
Prisoners in England and Wales can become eligible for HDC, which involves an electronically monitored curfew, after serving a quarter of their sentence. However, Reed's time spent on bail with an ankle tag prior to her imprisonment counted towards this requirement, allowing for her swift release.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson emphasised the conditions of such releases, stating: 'Anyone released into Home Detention Curfew faces strict licence conditions and must be tagged. Those who break the rules can be returned to prison.'
Meanwhile, her co-defendant, Carl Wild, received a much lengthier sentence of 13 and a half years in jail for his primary role in the vicious attack.
