The automatic release of Anthony Smith, the birth father who tortured baby Tony Hudgell, has been halted under new powers to protect the public from dangerous offenders. Smith had been due for release in early September, but his case has now been referred to the Parole Board.
Tony Hudgell, now seven, suffered such severe abuse at the hands of his birth parents, Anthony Smith and Jody Simpson, that both of his legs had to be amputated. The referral overrides automatic conditional release in specific circumstances where public safety is deemed at risk. Earlier this month, Simpson's release on licence was also put on hold.
The Ministry of Justice confirmed that the Parole Board will decide whether to release either or both of them in due course. Justice Secretary Dominic Raab stated: 'The first duty of government is to protect the most vulnerable and no-one is more vulnerable than a child. I will do everything in my power to prevent another child enduring the abuse inflicted on Tony Hudgell.'
Tony's adoptive mother, Paula, from Kings Hill, Kent, expressed her delight, saying she was 'over the moon' and grateful for the introduction of 'Tony's Law'. Tougher sentencing for child abusers came into force in June, enabling life sentences for those who cause or allow the death of a child or vulnerable adult, increased from the previous 14-year maximum.
The sentencing changes, part of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, follow campaigning by Tony's adoptive family. Tony was just 41 days old when he was assaulted, sustaining multiple fractures, dislocations, and blunt trauma, leading to organ failure, toxic shock, and sepsis. He was left untreated in agony for ten days, resulting in the amputation of both legs.
