In 2018, the Offender Database recorded that 46-year-old Antony Smith—of no fixed address—was jailed for 10 years for the horrific physical abuse of his infant son. Smith appeared at Maidstone Crown Court alongside the child’s mother, Jody Simpson, where they were both found guilty of causing or allowing serious physical harm to a child and child cruelty. It was reported that the investigation established their son, Tony, was just 41 days old when he was found with eight fractures to his limbs, leading to life-threatening septicaemia and the eventual amputation of both his legs.
The investigation established that the fractures included both thigh bones, both lower legs, an ankle, a thumb, and toes. The prosecution reported that the parents delayed seeking medical intervention for nine hours, prioritising a boiler repair over their son’s agony. By the time Tony reached a GP, his limbs were hard and swollen, and he was at death’s door; he was subsequently transferred to a specialist intensive care unit in London to save his life.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Smith’s actions left the infant with permanent, life-altering disabilities and severe scarring. The investigation established that after being sentenced to the maximum term then available, Smith filed an appeal in late 2018 to have his 10-year sentence reduced. The prosecution reported that this legal challenge occurred just as the boy’s adoptive mother, Paula Hudgell, was preparing to celebrate his fourth birthday, causing significant distress to the family.
Judge-led proceedings at the original trial concluded with the maximum possible penalty, noting the “extreme and deliberate” nature of the neglect. For his actions in Kent and the “catastrophic” impact on a defenceless baby, Smith was identified as a high-risk offender. The judge noted that the parents’ excuse regarding a plumber was “extraordinary” and demonstrated a total lack of basic parental responsibility, leading to the nationwide campaign for “Tony’s Law” to increase maximum sentences for such crimes.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in Kent and London, the status of Antony Smith as of April 10, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: SERVING (10-year term; sentenced February 2018; appeal for reduction was rejected).
- Earliest Release Date: Circa 2023/2024 (Subject to standard half-sentence release protocols; currently under post-release supervision).
- Legal Milestone: TONY’S LAW (Legislation inspired by this case increased maximum sentences for child cruelty to life imprisonment in 2022).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children or vulnerable adults).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Child cruelty; Causing or allowing serious physical harm to a child).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court; appeal heard at the Court of Appeal.
- Criminal Record: Caused eight fractures to a 41-day-old baby; Delayed medical care for 9 hours; Child suffered double leg amputations as a result; Attempted to appeal the sentence.
- Origin: Kings Hill / Maidstone, Kent.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Smith is managed as a high-risk violent offender within the community. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically the “brutal physical breakage of an infant’s limbs” and “calculated medical neglect”—his management is a priority for the National Probation Service. Authorities state that the permanence of the victim’s injuries identifies Smith as an individual who requires the most intensive tier of statutory supervision to ensure he is never again in a position of care or proximity to minors.
As a convicted child abuser, the 54-year-old’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that the successful campaign for tougher sentencing means that any future offenders committing similar acts will face much harsher penalties than the 10 years Smith received. Any change of residence, attempt to access regulated activity, or contact with the victim’s family will result in immediate intervention to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from a man who demonstrated a “heartless and violent intent” toward his own flesh and blood.
QUESTION – Given that the maximum sentence was increased to life imprisonment under “Tony’s Law” after this case, do you believe that such laws should be applied retrospectively to offenders like Smith to extend their current time in prison?
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.