THE great-grandfather of Star Hobson hopes she did not die in vain after a report into her death made recommendations to safeguarding agencies.
David Fawcett agrees with an independent review, carried out by the national Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel, which states his family was not listened to over their concerns about Star’s welfare in 2020.
The report looked at the lives of Star and Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, of Solihull, who were murdered by their parents’ partners.
It made a number of recommendations for safeguarding partners in Bradford to follow including agreeing to clear expectations on risk assessment and decision making and ensuring these are understood by all agencies.
It also calls for every local area to have an expert child protection unit - a recommendation welcomed by Mr Fawcett.
Savannah Brockhill, 28, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 25 years for the murder of 16-month-old Star at their flat in Wesley Place, Keighley, on September 22, 2020.
Star’s mother, Frankie Smith, 20, was initially jailed for eight years for causing, or allowing, her death following a trial at Bradford Crown Court in December last year.
But this eight-year sentence was quashed in March at the Court of Appeal and extended to 12 years, which she must serve in a Young Offender Institution.
Mr Fawcett said: “The fact they never got back to us after we made the referral upset us more than anything.
“We put the report in and were concerned about Star. We feel we were not listened to. There was no follow-up.
“We’re hoping that Star has not died in vain.
“A child protection unit is a good idea. It’s what is needed. Every area needs to have one in place.
“We had Star in March and April 2020 and we had her clapping for the nurses on a Thursday night.
“At the time we were going through the Covid lockdowns and TV and media were saying ‘stay safe’ and under our noses children were being abused and being killed. It was just horrendous.
“We just want changes so that it doesn’t happen to anyone else.
“If neighbours hear anything, something, going off, people need to be reporting it. We need to make sure that children are looked after.
“We have days when we can talk and have a laugh. Other days you are so down you can’t lift yourself. It’s awful.”
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