Charity created in memory of murdered toddler

A charity has been set up in memory of murdered toddler Star Hobson with the aim of providing support for vulnerable families.

Star was just 16 months old when she died in Keighley in 2020 following a campaign of abuse and neglect by her mother and her partner.

Star's mother Frankie Smith and her partner Savannah Brockhill were both jailed in 2021.

The Baby Star-Dust Foundation will work with families in Bradford and also aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse, the charity's organisers said.

Star Hobson suffered "catastrophic" injuries at the hands of Brockhill, her mother's "violent-tempered" girlfriend, the pair's trial heard.

The toddler was "caught in the crossfire" of the women's toxic relationship, the trial judge said.

Brockhill received a 25-year prison sentence for murdering Star, while Smith was given a 12-year term for causing or allowing the child's death.

Jessica Outlaw, co-founder of the Baby Star-Dust foundation, said her daughter was the same age as Star at the time of Smith and Brockhill's trial and that had had an impact on her.

Ms Outlaw said: "It seemed obvious to channel it into positive energy. The charity was something everybody wanted in memory of Star."

One of the aims of the foundation was to improve the provision of play opportunities in deprived areas, she said.

"Some families or mums might find it a little bit difficult to access these things, so it's about breaking down that barrier."

Another aim was to support and educate parents in how to play and engage with their children, Ms Outlaw said.

The work of the charity was backed by members of Star Hobson's family.

David Fawcett, Star's great-grandfather, said he hoped to help families in similar situations.

"I don't know how we'd have kept going if it wasn't for [the charity's founders] really, because they've always been there as a shoulder to cry on," Mr Fawcett said.

Baby Star-Dust co-founder Sammi Kendall said the foundation's message was simple: "If you feel something is not right, if it's not sitting right, just help. Report it.

"I know those reports - and they did - can fall on deaf ears sometimes, but keep reporting.

"I think some people can be scared to, but you could be saving somebody's life."

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