Mother of murdered toddler Star Hobson has jail sentence increased
Frankie Smith has had her eight-year prison sentence increased at the Court of Appeal
Last updated 15th Mar 2022
Frankie Smith, the mother of murdered toddler Star Hobson, has had her eight-year prison sentence for causing or allowing her daughter's death increased to 12 years at the Court of Appeal.
Her former partner, Savannah Brockhill, was found guilty of murder and handed a life term with a minimum of 25 years in prison.
Smith, 20, was found guilty of causing or allowing her death and sentenced to eight years in prison at Bradford Crown Court.
The sentence was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Attorney General's Office, under the unduly lenient sentencing scheme.
What happened to Star Hobson?
WARNING: This article contains content some readers may find disturbing
Star Hobson was murdered by her mother, Frankie Smith’s partner, Savannah Brockhill, on 22 September 2020.
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".
What's happened since Star's death?
Star's family and friends say they referred the toddler to Bradford children service's 5 times, but no further action was taken.
A child safe guarding review, into the murder of 16 month old Star Hobson was delayed in January 2022.
Star's great grandad, David Fawcett spoke to us about the changes he wants to see moving forward:
The council delayed the report as a 'considerable amount of detailed evidence' emerged during the murder trial, which wasn't available to the author of the review.