MOTHER RELEASED FROM PRISON AFTER DAUGHTER STAR HOBSON’S TRAGIC DEATH — FAMILY SAYS “JUSTICE HASN’T BEEN DONE”

Frankie Smith has been released after serving less than five years of a 12-year sentence over the death of her 16-month-old daughter. The decision has reopened painful memories for Star’s family and renewed questions about how the little girl was failed.

The mother of Star Hobson, a toddler whose death shocked Britain, has been released from prison after serving less than five years of her 12-year sentence.

Frankie Smith, now 25, was convicted of causing or allowing the death of her 16-month-old daughter after the little girl suffered fatal injuries in September 2020. Smith’s former partner, Savannah Brockhill, was convicted of Star’s murder and sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 25 years.

News of Smith’s release, reported in October 2026, has prompted fresh anger from members of Star’s family, who believe the sentence did not deliver justice for the little girl.

Smith was reportedly released at the end of September and is now living under a new identity. The Ministry of Justice confirmed that she is subject to strict licence conditions and could be returned to prison if she breaches them. Officials also clarified that her release was not part of the recent early-release scheme.

A LITTLE GIRL WHO SUFFERED FOR MONTHS

Star lived in Keighley, West Yorkshire, with her mother and Brockhill, who was Smith’s partner at the time.

The court heard during the 2021 trial that the toddler had endured months of physical mistreatment and cruelty before her death. Her injuries included fractures and serious internal damage.

On September 22, 2020, Star was taken to hospital with catastrophic injuries. Despite medical treatment, she could not be saved.

Prosecutors told the court that the fatal injuries were caused by a severe blow or blows to her abdomen. Brockhill was found guilty of murder, while Smith was convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child.

The case horrified the public not only because of the toddler’s age, but also because concerns about her welfare had reportedly been raised before she died.

FRANKIE SMITH’S SENTENCE WAS INCREASED TO 12 YEARS

Smith was initially sentenced to eight years’ detention in December 2021.

However, the Attorney General referred the sentence to the Court of Appeal, arguing that it was unduly lenient. On March 15, 2022, senior judges increased the sentence to 12 years.

The court found that the original sentence had not adequately reflected the seriousness of Smith’s offending and her failure to protect her daughter.

Brockhill, meanwhile, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 25 years before she can be considered for parole. That minimum term does not guarantee release at the end of the period.

STAR’S GREAT-GRANDFATHER SPEAKS OUT

Star’s great-grandfather, Frank Smith, has expressed deep frustration over the news of Frankie Smith’s release.

Speaking to The Sun, he questioned how she could be free after serving less than five years of a sentence that had been increased to 12 years.

His comments reflect the continuing grief felt by relatives who believe Star deserved greater protection and that those responsible should face the full consequences of their actions.

For the family, the release is not simply a question about prison policy. It is a painful reminder of the little girl they lost and the warnings they say were not taken seriously enough before her death.

WARNINGS THAT FAILED TO PROTECT STAR

One of the most troubling aspects of the case was the number of concerns raised about Star’s welfare before she died.

Reports from the time indicated that family members had contacted authorities about injuries they had seen on the child. Police also received reports before the fatal incident, but the concerns did not lead to Star being removed from the situation.

The trial and subsequent reviews prompted widespread criticism of the way warning signs were handled and raised questions about communication between agencies responsible for protecting vulnerable children.

Star’s death became part of a broader national debate about safeguarding, social services and whether systems designed to protect children can respond effectively when family members raise concerns.

The tragedy has continued to resonate because relatives had reportedly tried to draw attention to what they believed was happening.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

The Ministry of Justice said people released from prison on licence must comply with strict conditions and can be returned to custody if they break them.

Smith’s release does not overturn her conviction. She remains convicted of causing or allowing her daughter’s death.

Brockhill’s separate conviction for murdering Star and her life sentence also remain in place.

The latest development has nevertheless reignited public discussion about sentencing, release arrangements and the lasting impact of serious crimes on victims’ families.

A TRAGEDY THAT STAR’S FAMILY CANNOT LEAVE BEHIND

Star Hobson was just 16 months old when she died. She should have had a lifetime ahead of her, surrounded by people who could keep her safe and help her grow.

Instead, her name became synonymous with one of Britain’s most distressing child-protection cases.

For her relatives, the news that her mother has been released brings back a loss that no court decision can repair. Their anger reflects the belief that Star was vulnerable, that concerns were raised, and that more should have been done to protect her.

The legal proceedings established the criminal responsibility of both women for different offences. But for Star’s family, the emotional consequences have not ended with the verdicts or the sentences.

Star cannot be brought back. Her family’s hope now is that the lessons of her case will not be forgotten — and that other vulnerable children will be better protected when warning signs emerge.

Sources: The Sun, LBC, The Guardian and the UK Attorney General’s Office.