The mother of murdered toddler Star Hobson has been released from prison six years after her daughter's death, it has been confirmed. Star, who was 16 months old, suffered catastrophic injuries when she was beaten lifeless by her mother's partner, 28-year-old Savannah Brockhill, in September 2020.
Sentences and convictions
Brockhill was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years. Star's mum, Frankie Smith, was cleared of murder and manslaughter at Bradford Crown Court, but was convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child. She was jailed for eight years, which was increased to 12 years by the Court of Appeal the following year.
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed Smith has now been released on licence, and that her release was not part of the early release scheme, reports Yorkshire Live.
Sentencing remarks
During sentencing, Mrs Justice Lambert described Smith as a "neglectful" parent. She told the pair: "Her short life was marked by neglect, cruelty and injury. She was murdered by you, Savannah Brockhill. Frankie Smith, it was your role as her mother to protect Star from harm. You have been convicted by this jury of failing to protect her."
In her defence, the court heard Smith had borderline very low intelligence and had herself been a victim of domestic violence. It was also claimed she had been unaware of the assaults on Star.
Release conditions
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "This was a horrific crime and our thoughts remain with all those affected. Offenders released on licence are subject to strict conditions and can be returned to prison immediately if they breach them."
