SAVANNAH BROCKHILL GUILTY OF MURDER
A woman responsible for the death of her partner's 16-month-old daughter after a prolonged period of neglect, cruelty, and injury has been sentenced to serve at least 25 years in prison.Star Hobson sustained severe, life-threatening injuries inflicted by Savannah Brockhill, who was the girlfriend of the child's mother, Frankie Smith.
Smith was described as having a volatile and violent temperament.
In her remarks, Lady Justice Lambert explained that Star was inadvertently caught amid the toxic and destructive relationship between Brockhill and Smith.
Smith received an eight-year sentence for her role in enabling or causing her daughter's death.
The trial, lasting seven weeks, revealed that Star was subjected to ongoing physical and emotional abuse by the couple, who had successfully evaded police and social services despite receiving five referrals from worried family members.
During sentencing, the judge stated that both women had acted with cruelty and callousness, engaging in pointless disputes fueled by their tumultuous relationship.
The tragic injury that led to Star's death occurred on September 22, 2020, when Brockhill delivered a violent punch or kick, comparable in force to a car crash, injuring her internal organs and causing fatal internal bleeding, the judge noted.
Furthermore, the judge emphasised that this was not an isolated incident.
Post-mortem examinations revealed multiple injuries, including brain trauma and fractures to her skull, ribs, and shin.
In her sentencing, the judge highlighted Brockhill’s violent temper, indicating she often beat Star with punches and slaps, while Smith administered unnecessary punishments based on perceived misbehavior.
It was also noted that Brockhill’s jealousy and anger caused her to act violently toward Smith, who had become overly obsessed with her, to the detriment of Star’s safety.
Surveillance footage, including a video of Star falling from a plastic chair due to exhaustion, showcased the indifferent attitude the couple had toward the child.
Smith was characterised as neglectful, and the judge remarked that she was not so dominated by Brockhill that she could not have sought help or left the abusive relationship.
Smith played a significant part in her child's death by failing to alert authorities when signs of abuse appeared, such as bruises and injuries.
The judge addressed both women, questioning why anyone would treat a vulnerable child with cruelty rather than care.
Tributes were paid to Hollie Jones, the babysitter who was the first to contact social services and attempted to protect Star.
Multiple referrals followed, with the last made just weeks before Star's death.
A statement from Star’s great-grandmother, Anita Smith, read out in court, expressed heartbreak at never seeing Star reach adulthood and described the pain of losing her.
The family criticised social services for their handling of prior warnings.
Mrs Smith warned Bradford City Council of potential tragedy if insufficient action was taken.
After the verdict, Frankie Smith’s grandfather, Frank Smith, expressed his anger towards his granddaughter, asserting she deserved a harsher sentence and wished Brockhill ill.
In court, Lady Justice Lambert thanked the family who cared for Star and sought help, acknowledging their pain and frustration.
The trial’s conclusion came amid a national outcry over the recent murder of six-year-old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, prompting an official review.
A forthcoming report on Star's case will contribute to this review, which aims to evaluate child protection practices.
Bradford's local authorities recognized the missed warning signs and announced that a detailed review of child safeguarding will be published soon.
