A former contestant on Big Brother, Simone Reed, has been released from prison earlier than expected after serving just two months of her 32-month sentence for her role in a violent petrol bomb attack. Reed, who gained fame on the reality television show in 2017 and previously appeared on The X Factor in 2014, was imprisoned on October 9, 2023 for assisting in the attack that occurred at the Peggy Junes bar in Redcar, North Yorkshire.
Reed’s early release comes in time for the Christmas holiday, allowing her to reunite with her family. According to reports, she was seen shopping for Christmas gifts this week, carrying several large bags from B&M. In a recent Facebook post, she expressed her joy, stating, “Merry Christmas – back home with my babies. 2026 is going to be our year.”
The court heard that on February 15, 2023, Reed drove to a petrol station to purchase fuel for a Molotov cocktail used during the attack. Alongside her partner, Carl Wild, she attempted to enter the bar but was refused entry. The couple subsequently threatened the bar’s owner, vowing to “burn the place down and kill you and your kids.”
Wild ignited the petrol bomb outside the establishment and hurled it at a patron, David Brotton, who suffered significant injuries. Shocking CCTV footage captured the moment Brotton was engulfed in flames, resulting in 20% burns to his body. The attack escalated further as Wild sprayed bleach at Brotton before entering the bar and assaulting other patrons, leading to serious injuries for two additional victims.
Wild was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and aggravated burglary. He received a lengthy sentence of 13 years and six months, with the judge indicating that he would serve five years on extended license. Judge Francis Laird characterized Wild’s actions as “a determined act of revenge” following perceived disrespect.
Following her release, Reed is now under Home Detention Curfew, requiring her to wear an electronic tag and adhere to strict licensing conditions. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice stated, “Anyone released into Home Detention Curfew faces strict licence conditions and must be tagged. Those who break the rules can be returned to prison.”
The incident has generated considerable media attention, raising concerns about public safety and the consequences of such violent acts. Reed’s early release has sparked discussions about the appropriateness of her sentence and the measures in place for monitoring individuals on home detention.
