Murderer of 16-month-old Star Hobson sentenced to life in prison
Savannah Brockhill, 28, has been sentenced to life in prison, Star's mum, 20 year old Frankie Smith has been sentenced to eight years in jail.
Last updated 15th Dec 2021
28 year old Savannah Brockhill, the woman convicted of murdering Star Hobson, her partner's 16-month-old daughter has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 25 years.
20 year old Frankie Smith, Star's mum has been sentenced to eight years.
Yesterday (14th December), Brockhill was found guilty of Star's murder.
Both were found guilty of causing or allowing her death.
16-month-old Star Hobson died from a cardiac arrest in her home in Keighley in September 2020.
Smith and Brockhill both denied the charges.
Brendan Hobson, Star's grandfather, said in court:
"We loved looking after her. When she was with us she was a sunny and happy, delightful baby girl. She was always smiling and she was a very much loved granddaughter to us and daughter to Jordan.
"A crying Jordan called us to tell us Star was not breathing. Since then our lives have been changed forever we have suffered sleepless nights and physical pain asking ourselves endless tormenting questions. It was hard to comprehend a girl that we knew could do something so heinous.
"We have been left with an awful emptiness that feels like it will never go away.
"To lose our beautiful baby girl in this way is something we would never want anyone else to endure."
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During evidence, the court heard that the injuries which caused the toddler's death involved extensive damage to her abdominal cavity "caused by a severe and forceful blow or blows, either in the form of punching, stamping or kicking to the abdomen".
Mr MacDonald said Smith and Brockhill were the only adults in the flat at the time.
The prosecutor said investigations had found evidence on the little girl's body which meant that "in the course of her short life, Star had suffered a number of significant injuries at different times".
Mr MacDonald said there had also been two fractures to the toddler's right leg "caused by forceful twisting", which had been refractured as they healed.
He also described a fracture to the back of Star's skull, and bruising, "much of which is considered to be non-accidental in origin".
Prosecutors said she was "repeatedly physically assaulted over the weeks and months before her death".
An NSPCC spokesperson said:
“Star Hobson’s young life was cut brutally short and it is appalling that she was harmed by the very people who should have been keeping her safe. Star was subjected to horrific cruelty and violence over several months that no child should ever have to experience.
“This awful case comes as many of us are still upset and horrified over what happened to Arthur Labinjo-Hughes. We must do all we can to prevent cruelty and abuse to children. As always, we urge anyone who has concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child to contact the local authorities, the police or the NSPCC helpline.”
They went on to say:
“The sentencing marks the end of the trial but the memory of Star Hobson must not fade, and we must all redouble our efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect from happening.
“It is vital at all levels we learn the lessons that come out of the reviews into the death of Star and Arthur Labinjo-Hughes. At the same time the child protection system desperately needs investment alongside better collaboration at a national and local level.
“It is also crucial anyone with concerns for the wellbeing a child continues to come forward. Now more than ever people need to contact the local authorities, the police or the NSPCC helpline if they ever feel a child is at risk or could come to some harm.”
The NSPCC helpline can be reached on 0808 8005000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk