Taken me about two weeks to catch up on this after seeing it mentioned in the Arthur Labinjo-Hughes thread; that is some very detailed court reporting, all credit to the local press! Have to agree on the general feeling of SB guilty of murder and FS guilty on allowing the death of a child (I'd certainly hold her that far responsible, obvious as it is that she has some major intellectual difficulties).
I did find SB's barrister made one interesting point about the timing of the head injury, and Star showing signs of concussion the day after the ripped ticket incident, when SB was not present... I do find that one a possibility, however, even if FS was responsible there (and it's pure speculation that cannot be proved in any way), that still doesn't go to say that she'd then cause abdominal injuries for no obvious reason, days later; I'd still find SB the more likely, although "more likely" is not a good enough standard of proof. So that point might add some doubt in the case.
As a whole I think SB did it, and sounds like a nasty piece of work, but my goodness FS should never be allowed care of a living being again. I know people get all up in arms whenever mandatory contraception is suggested for certain groups, but she needs it IMO; too stupid and too selfish to have the slightest idea of how her behaviour affects her child, or to really care unless it's pointed out to her. Sadly that happened in the worst possible way, through the death of her child. In some ways I can relate; I'm self-centered, have mental health difficulties and wouldn't cope with a child... but I'm smart enough to know I'd be a terrible parent and had long-term contraception fitted. It's free on the NHS, problem solved.
