TONY SMITH AND JODY SIMPSON'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN MAIDSTONE AND WHITSTABLE
| Red Rose Database
Maidstone Whitstable Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Maidstone and Whitstable, the tragic story of baby Tony unfolds as a heartbreaking example of severe child abuse and neglect. The case, which has garnered widespread media attention, involves the brutal injuries inflicted upon a vulnerable infant by his own parents, leading to life-altering consequences that will resonate for a lifetime.
In February 2018, the court heard how baby Tony, just 41 days old at the time, was subjected to horrific physical abuse at the hands of his biological parents, Jody Simpson and Tony Smith. The young child was found to have suffered multiple fractures, including injuries to both thigh bones, both lower legs, the right ankle, and fractures at the base of his left thumb as well as two bones in his big toe. These injuries were so severe that doctors suspected he had been swung by the ankles, a brutal act that caused extensive trauma to his tiny body.
Despite the gravity of his injuries, Simpson and Smith delayed seeking medical attention for the infant for a period of nine hours. Their explanation was that they were waiting for a plumber to repair a broken boiler, a claim that was met with skepticism by medical professionals. When they finally took baby Tony to see their general practitioner, he was in a critical state, with swollen, hard lower limbs, closed eyes, and signs of shock. The doctor immediately suspected septicaemia, a life-threatening blood infection caused by the fractures and injuries.
Following this alarming diagnosis, baby Tony was transferred from Tunbridge Wells Hospital to a specialized unit in London. His condition was dire, requiring intensive care, and he was placed on morphine and strong antibiotics to manage his pain and fight the infection. The injuries inflicted upon him were so severe that doctors concluded they were caused by significant force, inconsistent with normal handling of a baby. Experts testified that the injuries had occurred on at least two separate occasions, indicating ongoing abuse.
Tragically, the injuries led to the amputation of both of Tony’s legs, a devastating outcome that underscored the severity of the abuse. The court was shown photographs of the boy, now in foster care, as he is today—an image that moved jurors and spectators alike. The judge, Philip Statman, expressed his admiration for the adoptive parents, describing them as “absolute stars” for their care and dedication.
During the trial, the court heard how the injuries were inflicted deliberately, with evidence pointing to the act of swinging the baby by his ankles. Jody Simpson, aged 24, and Tony Smith, aged 46, both denied causing or allowing serious physical harm and cruelty. However, the jury took less than an hour to find them guilty of all charges. The verdict was unanimous, and the court sentenced both parents to ten years in prison each, reflecting the gravity of their crimes.
Prosecutor Heather Stangoe detailed the series of cruel acts committed against baby Tony, emphasizing the failure of the parents to seek prompt medical help despite knowing the severity of his condition. The delay, she explained, contributed significantly to the worsening of his injuries and his subsequent life-threatening state. The court was told that the injuries were inflicted before the bones became infected, indicating a pattern of ongoing abuse.
Following the verdicts, emotional scenes unfolded in the courtroom. Jurors were visibly moved, some in tears, as they listened to a victim impact statement and viewed images of Tony’s current condition. The judge praised the adoptive family for their unwavering support and love, highlighting their role in providing Tony with a new, hopeful life despite the trauma he endured.
In addition to the criminal proceedings, the case has sparked a campaign led by Tony’s adoptive mother, Paula Hudgell, from Kings Hill. She has called for tougher sentencing for such crimes and has garnered support from local MP Tom Tugendhat. Her petition, which has collected over 2,700 signatures, aims to push for harsher penalties and greater awareness of child abuse cases. She expressed her distress over the recent news of the appeal by Tony Smith, who is seeking to have his ten-year sentence reduced. The appeal hearing is scheduled for the following Thursday at the Court of Appeals, just days before Tony’s fourth birthday, casting a shadow over what should have been a celebration.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic case, the focus remains on ensuring justice for baby Tony and preventing such horrors from happening again. The case underscores the importance of vigilance, prompt medical intervention, and the need for society to protect its most vulnerable members from harm.
In February 2018, the court heard how baby Tony, just 41 days old at the time, was subjected to horrific physical abuse at the hands of his biological parents, Jody Simpson and Tony Smith. The young child was found to have suffered multiple fractures, including injuries to both thigh bones, both lower legs, the right ankle, and fractures at the base of his left thumb as well as two bones in his big toe. These injuries were so severe that doctors suspected he had been swung by the ankles, a brutal act that caused extensive trauma to his tiny body.
Despite the gravity of his injuries, Simpson and Smith delayed seeking medical attention for the infant for a period of nine hours. Their explanation was that they were waiting for a plumber to repair a broken boiler, a claim that was met with skepticism by medical professionals. When they finally took baby Tony to see their general practitioner, he was in a critical state, with swollen, hard lower limbs, closed eyes, and signs of shock. The doctor immediately suspected septicaemia, a life-threatening blood infection caused by the fractures and injuries.
Following this alarming diagnosis, baby Tony was transferred from Tunbridge Wells Hospital to a specialized unit in London. His condition was dire, requiring intensive care, and he was placed on morphine and strong antibiotics to manage his pain and fight the infection. The injuries inflicted upon him were so severe that doctors concluded they were caused by significant force, inconsistent with normal handling of a baby. Experts testified that the injuries had occurred on at least two separate occasions, indicating ongoing abuse.
Tragically, the injuries led to the amputation of both of Tony’s legs, a devastating outcome that underscored the severity of the abuse. The court was shown photographs of the boy, now in foster care, as he is today—an image that moved jurors and spectators alike. The judge, Philip Statman, expressed his admiration for the adoptive parents, describing them as “absolute stars” for their care and dedication.
During the trial, the court heard how the injuries were inflicted deliberately, with evidence pointing to the act of swinging the baby by his ankles. Jody Simpson, aged 24, and Tony Smith, aged 46, both denied causing or allowing serious physical harm and cruelty. However, the jury took less than an hour to find them guilty of all charges. The verdict was unanimous, and the court sentenced both parents to ten years in prison each, reflecting the gravity of their crimes.
Prosecutor Heather Stangoe detailed the series of cruel acts committed against baby Tony, emphasizing the failure of the parents to seek prompt medical help despite knowing the severity of his condition. The delay, she explained, contributed significantly to the worsening of his injuries and his subsequent life-threatening state. The court was told that the injuries were inflicted before the bones became infected, indicating a pattern of ongoing abuse.
Following the verdicts, emotional scenes unfolded in the courtroom. Jurors were visibly moved, some in tears, as they listened to a victim impact statement and viewed images of Tony’s current condition. The judge praised the adoptive family for their unwavering support and love, highlighting their role in providing Tony with a new, hopeful life despite the trauma he endured.
In addition to the criminal proceedings, the case has sparked a campaign led by Tony’s adoptive mother, Paula Hudgell, from Kings Hill. She has called for tougher sentencing for such crimes and has garnered support from local MP Tom Tugendhat. Her petition, which has collected over 2,700 signatures, aims to push for harsher penalties and greater awareness of child abuse cases. She expressed her distress over the recent news of the appeal by Tony Smith, who is seeking to have his ten-year sentence reduced. The appeal hearing is scheduled for the following Thursday at the Court of Appeals, just days before Tony’s fourth birthday, casting a shadow over what should have been a celebration.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic case, the focus remains on ensuring justice for baby Tony and preventing such horrors from happening again. The case underscores the importance of vigilance, prompt medical intervention, and the need for society to protect its most vulnerable members from harm.