Savannah Brockhill and Frankie Smith have been sentenced for their roles in the killing of 16-month-old girl Star Hobson.

At Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday December 15, Savannah Brockhill was given life imprisonment with a minimum of 25 years before parole. 

Star's mother Frankie Smith was sentenced to eight years in prison and must serve two-thirds before being considered for release. 

Speaking in court this afternoon Mrs Justice Lanbert said: "Star Hobson was born on May 21, 2019.

"She was 16 months old when she was murdered. Her short life was marked by neglect, cruelty and injury.

"She was murdered by you Savannah Brockhill. Frankie Smith, it was your role to protect Star from harm, you failed to protect her, allowing her death."

Savannah Brockhill, 28, was found guilty of murdering Star Hobson on September 22, 2020, in a brutal attack at Smith’s flat in Wesley Place, Keighley.

Frankie Smith, 20, was cleared of murder and manslaughter but found guilty of causing or allowing the death of her daughter.

'Heartbreaking stuff'

Social media users have had a huge emotional reaction to this tragic story. 

Reacting to the news, one Twitter user said: "Considering #arthurlabinjohughes murderer got as long as she did the sentence for #SavannahBrockhill is very disappointing -appreciate it may be extended but disappointing all the same."

"Reading the sentencing remarks in the Star Hobson case. Speechless. What ghouls. RIP, beautiful little Star," said another user on Twitter.

'A different type of evil'

"Abusing kids is just a different type of evil. How can you punch a 16-month-old child? HOW? Poor thing can’t even fight back. I am so sorry Star Hobson. You deserved better," said one account. 

Some social media users have expressed disappointment towards the sentences for Star Hobson's mother. 

 "Just 8 years for Star Hobson’s mother - she watched her child suffer and die. Absolutely shocking. #StarHobson," wrote one Twitter user. 

"Mother Frankie Smith gets 8 years for the death of Star Hobson what an absolute joke #Star #StarHobson #FrankieSmith."

"Need to appeal those sentences for those two women who killed Star Hobson, nowhere near long enough."

'Another child lost'

Social media users have expressed their anger and sadness towards the loss of Star Hobson and Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, who died in June 2020. 

One tweet read: "Not long enough, should be life without parole, disgraceful sentencing! Another child lost #arthurlabinjohughes #StarHobson."

"You think they would of taken note the first time and learned from their mistakes but NO!!!

"The system has failed so many innocent little children," said another.