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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Catherine Lough & Ryan Merrifield

Star Hobson council to lose control of children's services after tot's murder

The council which allowed tragic toddler Star Hobson to remain in the care of her murderer is losing control of its children's services.

Bradford’s children’s social care services are instead set to be lifted into a Trust.

It comes following recommendations made to the Education Secretary by the Children’s Services Commissioner in the West Yorkshire city.

The not-for-profit trust will be owned by Bradford Council but operate at arms-length under the control of a new independent Chair and Board of Directors.

The trust promised to "drive rapid improvements" after Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi received recommendations from Bradford's children's services commissioner.

Mr Zahawi said: "Keeping vulnerable children safe from harm is non-negotiable. Where a council is not meeting its duty to do this, we will take action to protect children and put their needs first.

Savannah Brockhill was sentenced to life with a minimum 25-year term for cruelly murdering the 16-month-old daughter of her lover (PA)
Star's mum, Frankie Smith, was sentenced to eight years for allowing little Star's death (PA)

"It's clear from the recommendations made by the commissioner in Bradford that the council needs support to improve and so I'm pleased that Bradford Council have agreed to establish a new trust that will bring positive change for the council and independent oversight that drives improvements.

"This is an important moment for children and families in Bradford, and for social workers and other professionals who want to create meaningful and effective relationships with them.

"These professionals take highly complex decisions each day to protect children, and I am grateful for the effort that goes into each one."

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi says the government will "take action" when a council fails to safeguard children (PA)

Publication of an investigation into authorities' contact with the toddler was put back as Bradford Partnership said a Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review, which was due to be published at the end of January, needed further work, including making sure her family's views are fully reflected.

Bouncer and security guard Savannah Brockhill, 28, was jailed for life at Bradford Crown Court in December for murdering Star at her home in Keighley, West Yorkshire in September 2020.

Star's mother Frankie Smith, 20, was sentenced to eight years for causing or allowing the youngster's death.

The youngster sustained "utterly catastrophic" injuries (West Yorkshire Police / SWNS.COM)

Brockill showed no remorse for the killing or sadistic torture she exposed the little girl to when she spoke during an interview from behind bars.

She pledged to appeal her conviction which landed her a minimum term of 25 years inside, according to reports.

Speaking over the phone from HMP Styal, in Cheshire, the 28-year-old also denied claims a fellow inmate had scalded her with boiling water and sugar - known as 'prison napalm'.

Brockhill has her own room in prison with a TV and ensuite, as well as a pastoral view from her window.

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