The mother of the murdered toddler Star Hobson has had her eight-year prison sentence for causing or allowing her daughter's death extended to 12 years.
Star Hobson was just sixteen months old when she was murdered by her mother's girlfriend, Savannah Brockhill.
In December last year at Bradford Crown Court, Brockhill was jailed for life with a minimum of 25 years behind bars whilst her mother, Frankie Smith, was also found guilty of causing or allowing her daughter's death and given an eight-year jail term.
At the time that sentence was described as unduly lenient, and this morning the appeal court heard that there had been several 'aggravating factors' including an eleven-minute delay before an ambulance had been called.
Three senior judges agreed that this, combined with the child's vulnerability, warranted a more severe jail term and have now extended Frankie Smith's sentence to 12 years in jail.
Due to the young age of Ms. Smith, who is just twenty herself, she will serve her sentence in a Young Offender's Institution.
During today's appeal representatives for the Attorney General argued that, in the initial trial, too much importance had been given to mitigating factors.
Representatives pointed to the extent of Brockhill's abuse of the child and said that there was evidence Smith had been a neglectful and cruel mother, even before entering into a relationship with her child's killer.
They also argued that Smith's youth, immaturity and low IQ did not affect her decision-making in this situation.
In Smith's defense, Zafar Ali QC countered that claims the mother was without remorse were "incorrect" and the case was "permeated by domestic abuse".
Smith broke down numerous times during the trial, reports The Telegraph and Argus, and apologised in court for her conduct.
As the verdict was given, Dame Victoria Sharp, President of the Queen's Bench Division, said: "Star's treatment at the hands of both Brockhill and Smith was harrowing and deeply disturbing.
"We have viewed images which showed many injuries to Star's body; they were deeply distressing images of physical assaults, punishments, mistreatment and neglect to Star.
"Smith accepted she mistreated Star and her behaviour accounted to cruelty. The maximum charge for this is 10 years.
"There were at least eight instances identified, each captured on video. Having seen these images, we do not accept these are the full picture of this.
"There was a consistent pattern of cruelty by Smith towards her daughter in the months before her death.
"Smith should have foreseen what happened to Star by what she had seen happen previously when she returned from Brockhill with serious injuries."
She picked out four points as to why the sentence passed was too lenient: prolonged incidents of cruelty; degradation of the victim; deliberate disregard of Star; and a failure to protect Star from risk.
"In mitigation, there was a mismatch by the Judge. She said Smith's low IQ and immaturity did not excuse her behaviour, but nothing was said as to why it would materially reduce her culpability.
"The Judge referred to Brockhill's violence towards Smith which would make it more difficult for her to report problems. But the Judge earlier found this had been exaggerated and that Smith had chosen to remain in this relationship for her own selfish purposes.
"There was nothing linking the abuse to Smith with her abuse to Star.
"As for Smith's lack of previous convictions, this carries very little weight in this case, as on her own admission she could have been indicted for a serious of offences for child cruelty.
"The final point, to which very significant weight was attached, the loss of her daughter.
"We can never say the point is irrelevant, but what we can say is in this case, where Smith treated Star with such neglect and indifference, the Judge was wrong to attach so much weight to this."
Feature image - Facebook
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Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026
The North is full of amazing artists, and we’re spotlighting one every single month – it's time to go 'Rollin' with Cole LC
Leeds' own Cole LC has got very far doing his "little music thing" and has seen him reach all new heights as his upcoming project suggests with its title West Yorkshire to Westend Show
This musician has built a pretty distinctive artistic style that fuses rap, all while making sure his West Yorkshire identity was kept in the forefront.
That's because, all of Cole's visuals have been filmed across the city at some pretty recognisable spots like Kirkgate Market, City Varieties and Belgrave Music Hall.
So far, this local lad has captured the attention of music lovers with songs like 'Westbrook' and 'Your Tings My Ting' both having over one million streams.
Now, Cole LC sits down to talk all about being Audio North's ‘Artist of the Month’ and shares more teasers about his highly-anticipated EP.
An interview with Cole LC - Audio North's Artist of the Month
Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
What can we expect from your upcoming EP?
This is my first big release in quite a while after the release of Favourite Version in 2023 and I've done a lot of growing. I started writing last Summer when I was going through a tough period but it's gone onto create some of my best songwriting stories. It's a one big note to self that I hope helps other people out.
What is it like being a Northern independent artist?
I grew up in Roundhay with my family and Leeds as a city has had a monumental impact on what I do as an artist. By being close to the city centre, it has allowed me to be exposed to different types of music, soaking up all these genres has helped influence what I do now.
How do you think Leeds is shaping the UK music scene?
This city is a big credit to music and it's a testament to the musicians of Leeds having that talent but also being hardworking. It's also about authenticity and that's what we've got. The climate of music in general is very intense and there's lots of competition but the sheer talent here in Leeds makes it impossible for us to go unnoticed.
Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
Who are some up and coming artists you're checking out?
Ellur and you spell it "Ell-uh" because she's from Bradford. She's an Alt-pop artist who I've been listening to a lot. I've also loved Charlotte Plank, especially her latest single 'crybby blue'. There's even Aaron Rowe who supported Lewis Capaldi.
What does a performance day look like for you?
I don't have a specific routine before a show. Practicing my lyrics is a big one and having a mint tea too.
What is your ultimate dream musically?
I'd love to perform whenever I like and just know people would be there and support me. I'd love the financial freedom to be able not worry and creative new tracks whenever whereever I want. Music is so powerful and speaks to everyone, I want to keep improving my quality and progress.
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?
Probably Justin Bieber because of how much I love him, he's the greatest of all time, he just is. When I was 14 I was so fuming watching him and seeing how good he is, I thought he'd put be out of a job forever. He has some unreal albums.
What's next for Cole LC?
I can guarantee you new music every single month for 2026. I know a lot of people have been getting in touch regarding a headline show so I'm hoping to organise a gig. I'm also going to make sure I keep the connection with people who enjoy my music whether that's in person or online.
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
The Hoot -
15th March 2022 
