Yesterday was a shocking revelation about the failures of both doctors and social workers in detecting two horrific acts of abuse against toddlers.
Friends and relatives were concerned five times and alerted authorities before Star Hobson, 16 months old, was murdered in her care by her mother and violent boyfriend.
In another appalling case, Ella-Rose Clover was murdered aged 22 months after doctors failed to raise the alarm about abuse she had suffered.
Nine times she was taken to the hospital in the time before her death. She had internal injuries and bruises. In one instance, she needed emergency surgery. Six surgeons and doctors apologised for their mistakes or acknowledged that they could have done something differently.
Star’s case was handled by social workers who believed Star’s complaints were malicious due to her disapproval regarding her mother and same-sex relationship.
Even her great-grandparents warned the social services that they didn’t want another Baby P.
Ella Rose Clover, pictured (above), was killed at the age of 22 months. She had been abused and doctors didn’t raise alarm.
After the death of Arthur Labinjo Hughes, 6, earlier in the month, the authorities failed to bring the cases. Star’s family and friends convinced the authorities that there wasn’t any substance to their concerns. This is a chilling echo from Arthur’s murder.
The Covid lockdown was in effect at the time of both murders. Experts warn that children who were not in touch with authorities at the time of their murders could be vulnerable.
Savannah Brockhill (28), was found guilty yesterday by the Bradford Crown Court jury of Star’s Murder.
Frankie Smith (the child’s mother and partner), was cleared for murder and manslaughter. However, she was found guilty of either causing or allowing death to a child. The sentence will take effect today.
Michael Wild, who was serving a life sentence in connection to Ella Rose Clover’s murder, attacked Ella Rose Clover and killed her.
Five times, friends and family raised concerns before Star Hobson (16 months) was shot to death in the custody of her mother.
Savannah Brockhill (right), was yesterday found guilty by Bradford Crown Court of Star’s Murder. Pictured (left to right): Star’s mother Frankie Smith (left), Brockhill.
After the failures of authorities to solve the case surrounding the death of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, six years old (pictured), the cases have been brought forward.
Star sustained ‘utterly devastating’ injuries after Brockhill punched, kicked, or stamped her stomach at her Keighley home, West Yorkshire in September 2013.
By the time Star reached the hospital, she had already suffered weeks of brutal physical abuses from the women. Star was left with bruises from injuries when Smith and Brockhill visited her body, according to police and social workers. The family members who referred them were accused of prejudice towards their relationship and Brockhill’s gipsy heritage.
These are the verdicts
- Boris Johnson claimed Star’s assassination was heartbreaking, and promised to “protect children against these barbaric crimes.”
- The children’s commissioner in England for Dame Rachel de Souza said that the authorities should learn from the Star and Arthur disasters.
- Tory MP Robbie Moore said Bradford council bosses should ‘hang their heads in shame’ and resign;
- Protection agencies expressed their deep regret and promised an immediate review.
- One family member called Bradford’s social services’shambolic.
Star was already sealed by her mother’s divorce from her father, a student. She began an affair with Brockhill. According to the court, Smith suffered from physical abuse by Brockhill throughout their relationship, which resulted in a series of fractures.
Star often saw bruising on her face, body and arms. Friends and family tried to help and circulated photos.
Although Star was not attacked by either of the women, the jury learned that Star and Star colluded to conceal the truth.
David Fawcett (61), the ex-partner of Star’s great grandmother Anita Smith (77) said about Brockhill, “To me, she was pure evil.” She came from hell to destroy and ruin our family.
They contacted social services because Brockhill was ‘slam-choking’ the toddler – lifting her by the throat and throwing her on the bed. Yesterday, Mr Fawcett stated that Bradford council had failed five attempts to aid Star. It was chaotic. Star might be here today if social services took more notice.
David Fawcett is 61. He was the ex-partner of Star’s great grandmother Anita Smith (pictured). Brockhill’s 70-year old grandmother said about her: “She was just pure evil to me. She came from hell to destroy and ruin our family.
Star was assassinated on September 7, 2005, and the file containing the last of five complaints had been closed one week prior.
“Dame Rachel” said that we must ask hard questions about the circumstances of the incident, as well as the harder questions regarding the reasons for the second instance in the last week.
The local police, social service and health chiefs of Bradford issued a joint statement saying: “We are deeply sorry that we did not see all warning signs that would have allowed us to take a stronger statutory enforcement action.”
Mark Douglas, who was Bradford council’s £121,000-a-year children’s services director during Star’s short life, resigned days before the trial.
Star was assassinated a week after the file regarding the last of five complaints had been closed.