By Charlotte Webster-
A publication of a report into social services and the events leading up to the murder of toddler Star Hobson – due to be released this month – has been delayed.
The Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review was started following the death of 16-month-old Star on September 22, 2020.
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Star was murdered by her mother’s partner Savannah Brockhill – who was jailed for life with a minimum term of 25 years following an eight week trial from October to December 2021.
Her mother, Frankie Smith, was jailed for eight years for causing or allowing her daughter’s death at the hands of her then-girlfriend Brockhill in a saga that horrified the British public.
The Attorney General has recently referred the case to the Court Of Appeal as an unduly lenient sentence to be considered for an increase in sentencing.
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Star died from a blow or blows at the flat where she lived with Smith, 20, in Wesley Place, Keighley, which caused severe internal injuries.
The toddler’s eventual murder followed weeks and months of abuse and neglect from the women towards Star in her short life – when she died she had old injuries including a fractured and refractured leg, fractured skull, and fractured ribs, had brain injuries and was covered in bruises.
Five referrals were made to social services in between January and September 2020 by concerned family members and friends regarding Star’s welfare, but no action was ever taken to remove her to safety.
Smith’s baby sitter expressed shock and alarm at the incompetence of social services, after it emerged that they had notified the tragic child’s mother of their visit, instead of turning up unannounced.
Tragic: Star Hobson was killed Image:supplied
Social services have been at the receiving end of immense criticism in the past few years, following numerous scandals, dismissals due to inadequacies, and misconduct.
Members of the profession have often cited a burdensome workload as well as insufficient funding, as part of the set back the industry faces in delivering consistent high standards of operation.
Smith, 28, is serving life behind bars at the Cheshire prison for the murder of 16-month-old Star Hobson, her girlfriend’s daughter.
She and her depraved lover, Savannah are said to have a fan base in prison and are also supported with cash for meals .
“Many people will be aware that a considerable amount of detailed evidence emerged during the murder trial. Not all this evidence was available to the independent author of the review.
“Both the National Panel and our partnership have agreed that this mass of evidence needs to be looked at in great depth to make sure the review’s recommendations are as robust as they can be so that learning for all agencies is captured.
“Following the trial the author has now also been able to speak directly with Star’s family and we want their views to be fully reflected in the final report.
“We also want to work closely with those reviewing the case of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes to understand common themes across both cases.
“We know that not being able to publish the review in January is disappointing, particularly for the family and friends of Star, but we owe it to Star to make sure that the findings of the review take account of all the facts that emerged during the trial. It is vital that we all – partner agencies, staff and our communities – have full confidence in the review’s recommendations and the actions that our partnership will need to take in the future to better protect children.
“We will announce a new publication date in due course.”
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