Star Hobson's family feel 'let down' by police watchdog decision
Murdered toddler Star Hobson’s family say they feel ‘let down’ after police watchdog decided officers WON’T face any criminal charges for their handling of her case
- David Fawcett is ‘disappointed’ police won’t be held responsible for Star’s death
- Great-grandfather is upset evidence of neglect was dismissed before she died
- IOPC says police won’t face charges but should ‘learn’ from the tragedy
The family of murdered toddler Star Hobson have said they feel ‘let down’ after the police watchdog decided officers will not face any criminal charges for their handling of her case.
The 16-month-old was killed by her mother’s girlfriend after suffering ‘catastrophic’ abdominal injuries to her body on September 22, 2020.
The Independent Office for Police Conduction (IOPC) then examined how police responded to two reports of Star suffering injuries in the months prior to her death.
But it ruled yesterday that West Yorkshire Police (WYP) officers wouldn’t face legal action and said the responsibility for her killing lay solely with those already jailed.
The toddler’s great-grandfather is ‘disappointed’ and feels ‘nobody is taking any responsibility’ for dismissing evidence of her neglect three months before her death.
David Fawcett, (left) the great-grandfather of murdered toddler Star Hobson (right), feels ‘let down’ after the police watchdog decided West Yorkshire officers will not face any criminal charges for their handling of her case
The 16-month-old (pictured) was killed by her mother’s girlfriend after suffering ‘catastrophic’ abdominal injuries to her body on September 22, 2020
Partners in death: Savannah Brockhill, 28 and mother Frankie Smith, 20, (right) have both been convicted over killing Star Hobson
West Yorkshire Police were told two times in the months leading up to her death that Star was being hurt by mother Frankie Smith, 20, and her girlfriend Samantha Brockhill, 28.
But the cruel pair lied to the authorities, despite officers at one point taking the child to hospital to see a doctor.
Brockhill was ultimately handed 25 years for murder while Smith was given a 12-year jail term for allowing or causing the little girl’s death.
Now, her great-grandfather David Fawcett feels ‘nobody is taking any responsibility’ for dismissing evidence of Star’s neglect three months before her death.
‘Nobody seems to be being brought to book,’ Mr Fawcett said today. ‘It’s as if it is being brushed aside and nobody is taking any responsibility.
‘I find it very disappointing. We were so badly let down.’
He added: ‘You just do not want these incidents happening again. If things are run properly then it would stop all this.’
While IOPC decided that WYP officers won’t face any criminal charges, the watchdog did note that there was ten areas of ‘considerable learning’ for officers dealing with the tragic incident.
Police saw bruises on Star during one visit to see Frankie Smith, 20 and Savannah Brockhill, 28
Police previously released a harrowing picture of one of the bruises on Star’s face that sparked calls to social services from family
The IOPC ruled: ‘The responsibility for Star’s death lies squarely with the two women who have been sentenced and we hope our recommendations ensure any potential future opportunities to safeguard children are not missed.’ Pictured: Savannah Brockhill with Star Hobson
The IOPC investigation also revealed that Star’s father Jordan Hobson told WYP on June 21, 2020 that he received photographs of bruising to his daughter’s face.
After officers examined Star, it was decided that she would be taken to a local hospital for a medical examination to find out the cause of her injuries.
The doctor concluded the injuries were caused accidentally and she was returned to her mother.
A second report was made by Star’s father on August 31, 2020, after receiving a video that showed bruising to his daughter’s face.
After an unsuccessful attempt by officers to locate Star, Smith was contacted and told that police would be returning the following day for a meeting.
But following that meeting, it was decided again that her injuries were thought to be accidental.
The IOPC regional director Thea Walton said that the investigation highlighted ‘some considerable learning for WYP.’
She said: ‘The circumstances of this case are shocking and profoundly disturbing, and I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Star’s family for their tragic loss.
‘While our investigation found no evidence to suggest WYP caused Miss Hobson’s death, our investigation did highlight some considerable learning for WYP.
‘That is why we have identified a number of recommendations which include a closer working relationship with CSC and a multi-agency approach moving forward.
‘The responsibility for Star’s death lies squarely with the two women who have been sentenced and we hope that our recommendations will help ensure any potential future opportunities to safeguard children are not missed.’
Assistant chief constable Damien Miller has said that the force have already ‘made significant progress in the areas that have been highlighted in the report.’
He said: ‘We welcome the Independent Office for Police Conduct recommendations and have consulted and engaged with them throughout the process.
David Fawcett feels ‘nobody is taking any responsibility’ for dismissing evidence of Star’s neglect three months before her death. Pictured: Star Hobson
‘As the report highlighted, no criminal or disciplinary proceedings were taken against any of our officers, and all staff and officers were treated as witnesses throughout the investigation.
‘We have already made significant progress in the areas that have been highlighted in the report and are working with partner agencies to implement them.
‘The death of Star Hobson was a tragic case which has had a profound impact on the local community.
‘Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Star’s family.
‘Protecting vulnerable children is a top priority for West Yorkshire Police and we are committed to working together with partners to improve our practices in the safeguarding of children.’
TIMELINE OF STAR HOBSON’S SHORT LIFE
Star Hobson was only 16-months-old when she was killed at her home in Keighley, West Yorkshire. Here are some of the key events in her short life:
2019
May 21 – Star Hobson is born
November – Savannah Brockhill and Frankie Smith begin a relationship.
2020
January 23 – Smith’s friend Holly Jones makes the first contact with social services over concerns about domestic violence and how much time she is left looking after Star. Police and social workers visit Star but no concerns are raised.
Early February – Star goes to live with her great-grandparents, David Fawcett and Anita Smith at their home in Baildon, Bradford, after Smith says she has split up with Brockhill.
April 26 – Star is removed from Anita Smith’s house by her mother and taken to live with Smith and Brockhill.
May 4 – Anita Smith contacts social services after she is told about Brockhill ‘slam-choking’ Star.
June – David Fawcett posts a picture of Star with bruises on Facebook alongside a happier shot and with the caption ‘From this to this in five weeks, what’s going on Frankie?’
June 21 – Star’s father, Jordan Hobson, contacts social services. Police take Star for a hospital examination. Smith says her daughter had hit her face on a coffee table.
June 23 – Another friend of the Smith family contacts social services with concerns.
August 14 – David Fawcett and Anita Smith see Frankie and Star for the last time.
August 28 – David Fawcett is sent a video of Star with bruises and confronts Brockhill.
September 2 – Another of Star’s great-grandfathers, Frank Smith, contacts social services after seeing video of bruises on the youngster’s face. Social workers make an unannounced visit.
September 15 – Social services closes the case after concluding the referral to be ‘malicious’.
September 22 – Star is seriously injured at the flat in Wesley Place, Keighley, and dies later in hospital.
2021
December 14 – Following a trial at Bradford Crown Court Brockhill is convicted of Star’s murder while Smith is convicted of causing or allowing the toddler’s death.
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