Sunderland student Jordan Hobson left “devastated” following the murder of daughter Star

The father of Star Hobson, the 16 month old baby girl who was brutally murdered by her mother’s girlfriend, has spoken of his “devastation” following the loss of his daughter.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Jordan Hobson, who is currently studying at the University of Sunderland, revealed his anguish following the conclusion of the court case into Star’s death.

He said: "The horrific death of my beautiful baby daughter has left me devastated and I will never recover from the callous and cruel way in which Star was taken from me.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"No sentence that a court can impose will ever bring back my precious daughter. I would now request privacy so that I can start to grieve and begin to try and pick up the pieces of my life."

Read More
Vandals slammed after vital life-saving equipment is damaged

During a seven-week trial, Bradford Crown Court heard the toddler endured a campaign of physical and psychological abuse.

Star bled to death on September 22, 2020, after suffering "catastrophic" injuries inflicted at the hands of Savannah Brockhill, 28, her mother's "violent-tempered" girlfriend.

Following the trial, Brockhill was jailed for a minimum of 25 years for murder. Star's mother, Frankie Smith, 20, was sentenced to eight years for causing or allowing her daughter’s death.

Jordan Hobson, who is studying at the University of Sunderland, has spoken of his "devastation" following the murder of his baby daughter Star.

Photograph: West Yorkshire PoliceJordan Hobson, who is studying at the University of Sunderland, has spoken of his "devastation" following the murder of his baby daughter Star.

Photograph: West Yorkshire Police
Jordan Hobson, who is studying at the University of Sunderland, has spoken of his "devastation" following the murder of his baby daughter Star. Photograph: West Yorkshire Police
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Speaking at the sentencing, judge Mrs Justice Lambert, said it was Brockhill's "fatal punch or kick", delivered with "the force of a car crash" that damaged Star's internal organs and caused deadly internal bleeding.

The court heard how the fatal attack was not a one off incident, with numerous other injuries identified on Star’s body, including two brain injuries and various fractures to her skull, ribs and shinbone.

Sentencing Smith, Mrs Lambert said, she had played "a significant role" in her child's death, and had failed to contact authorities when Brockhill's abuse had become apparent.

She added: "This is something you have to live with for the rest of your life.”

Savannah Brockhill, the female bouncer found guilty of murdering a 16-month-old Star Hobson.

Photograph: West Yorkshire PoliceSavannah Brockhill, the female bouncer found guilty of murdering a 16-month-old Star Hobson.

Photograph: West Yorkshire Police
Savannah Brockhill, the female bouncer found guilty of murdering a 16-month-old Star Hobson. Photograph: West Yorkshire Police
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Smith’s grandfather, Frank Smith, said he thought his granddaughter should have got a tougher sentence and that he hoped Brockhill "rots in hell".

Following the sentencing, the Attorney General has been asked to review the sentences of two women which will be examined under the unduly lenient sentence scheme.

The case has also further raised concerns about why Social Services failed to intervene despite referrals.

Frankie Smith, the mother of Star Hobson, was sentenced to eight years for causing or allowing Star's death.

Photograph: West Yorkshire PoliceFrankie Smith, the mother of Star Hobson, was sentenced to eight years for causing or allowing Star's death.

Photograph: West Yorkshire Police
Frankie Smith, the mother of Star Hobson, was sentenced to eight years for causing or allowing Star's death. Photograph: West Yorkshire Police

A message from the editor:

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today.

Enjoy unlimited access to all of our news and sport, see fewer ads, experience faster load times, test your brain with daily puzzles and get access to exclusive newsletters.

Your support for our journalism means we can continue telling Sunderland’s stories for generations to come. Click here to subscribe - and click here to get a snapshot of the Echo’s news and sport to your inbox through our email newsletters.