Robbie Moore MP has given his reaction to the news that Frankie Smith, the mother of Star Hobson, has had her sentence for causing or allowing the death of her daughter extended to 12 years.
Smith was initially handed a sentence of eight years, which the Attorney General deemed "unduly lenient" following a request to review the case to the Court of Appeal by Moore.
Robbie Moore MP said: “Following my request to the Attorney General Office for Smith’s sentence to be reviewed, I welcome that the Court of Appeal have found the original sentence to be “unduly lenient”, and as such have increased the sentence to 12 years - but it is my view this still isn’t long enough.
As the Court heard, Smith was responsible for a deliberate disregard for Star Hobson leading up to her death, including making misleading statements to social services.
I respect the Court of Appeal must act within the existing sentencing guidelines, but my opinion remains that 12 years is simply not a long enough sentence for the horrific crime of allowing the death of a child. That’s why I very much welcome that soon, ‘Tony’s Law’ will come into effect through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. This will extend the maximum sentence for allowing the death of a vulnerable child from 14 years to life imprisonment.
No sentence will ever be able to change what happened to Star Hobson and my thoughts still remain with all those who loved her.”
