THERE is no sitting today in the trial of Frankie Smith and Savannah Brockhill, who are accused of murdering 16-month-old Star Hobson last year.

It would have been the 32nd day of the trial today, however yesterday the judge, The Honourable Mrs Justice Lambert DBE, told the jury that there will be no sitting today.

It means the next hearing is due to be on Monday, when Zafar Ali QC, representing Frankie Smith, will make his closing speech to the jury.

Frankie Smith, 20, of Wesley Place, Keighley, who is Star’s mother, and Savannah Brockhill, 28, of Hawthorn Close, Keighley, who is Smith’s partner, are both charged with murdering baby Star, and also with causing or allowing her death.

Star died from catastrophic abdominal injuries caused by blunt force trauma sustained at Smith's flat on September 22, 2020.

Both women deny all charges put against them.

Why is there no sitting?

There is no sitting today due to pre-existing commitments for Mrs Justice Lambert in the morning in her duties as a High Court Judge. It is similar to when court didn't sit on the first Friday of November.

What comes next?

The trial will resume on Monday at Bradford Crown Court.

Zafar Ali QC, for Smith, will make his defence closing speech, which is expected to take most of the day

Then Mrs Justice Lambert QC will give the second part of her legal directions to the jury, setting out all the evidence in the case. 

Once that is complete, the jury will be sent out to commence their deliberations and try to reach a verdict.

We will be back in court on Monday running our live blog again, so make sure to tune in for that from 10am on Monday, December 6.

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