Tony Hudgell: 8-yr-old is 'scared' as parents who brutally tortured him as an infant could be freed soon
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KENT, ENGLAND: The couple imprisoned for brutally abusing Pride of Britain winner Tony Hudgell, who had to have both legs amputated, has asked to be released within weeks. Jody Simpson, 24, and Anthony Smith, 47, were about to be released automatically in August after being sentenced to ten years in jail for child abuse and neglect, but Justice Secretary Dominic Raab intervened.
The infant suffered from sepsis, multiple organ failure, and severe life-threatening and permanently altering limb fractures. Tony, who is now eight years old, had to have both legs amputated below the knee, but he now enjoys life with his adoptive parents, Paula and Mark Hudgell, as reported by the Sun.
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The Mirror quoted Paula as saying, "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."
In the 41 days following his birth, little Tony was subjected to a series of "spiteful, vigorous assaults." Simpson and Smith refused to call for aid and the infant was left to suffer from multiple injuries for ten days. When he was finally taken to the hospital, the doctors discovered he had ripped ligaments and fractured fingers and toes.
Besides multiple organ failure, toxic shock syndrome, and fractures to both thighs, lower legs, ankles, toes, and thumbs, Tony also experienced septicemia. The baby's legs had to be amputated due to injuries from Simpson and Smith forcefully swinging him around, and he was put on life support due to a mass in his brain. Due to his severe injuries, Tony will require special care for the rest of his life.
Tony would require artificial legs for the rest of his life and will be mostly deaf. Since he moved in with Paula and Mark when he was four months old, he has helped the Evelina hospital, where his life was saved, by raising more than £1.7 million ($2M). The remarkable boy also contributed to Tony's Law, which increased the maximum sentence for anyone who intentionally injures a child from 10 to 14 years in prison, as per reports.