March for Star Hobson and Arthur Labinjo-Hughes

[Blindleadingtheblind]

Hi all,

I'm sure you've all read or heard about the horrific murders of 16-month old Star Hobson and 6-year old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes at the hands of those who were supposed to love, care for and protect them the most.

What makes these cases so utterly tragic is the fact they could have been prevented. Both were failed by the authorities who were responsible for safeguarding them. The social workers who didnt bother to see these children and closed cases despite concerns. The police who threatened family members with arrest if they dared to take these children into their care against the will of the parent. That same parent who was responsible for killing them.

Honestly, my heart is heavy. Lessons have not been learned from the Victoria Climbie and Peter Connelly and Daniel Pelka cases.

Lockdown provided a perfect opportunity for these monsters to carry out their crimes. So much was missed by social workers, schools, police. Justice needs to be done for these children, they need voice to stand up for them and be heard.

Would anyone be willing to peacefully march so that concerns be taken seriously in future? Social workers should be given the proper training, support, powers and funding to deal with cases like these. Police should take each matter seriously. I'll be writing to my MP about these things when I've gathered my thoughts.

Would anyone be interested in marching for these children?

I've never set up anything like this before so I'd anyone could help I'd be grateful. Just feel I need to do something - anything - to make sure these deaths never have to happen again.

Argg sorry that was long.

[EileenJane]

Thank you for creating this petition and for putting this together. I would absolutely March for those poor babies. I can’t even read the news articles or see the pictures of little Arthur as it breaks my heart completely.

This might sound crazy, but I have a son the same age and I keep holding him and trying to channel some of that love out to where it might find Arthur - so his little soul might feel some of the love he deserved. Even knowing all of these mothers are here for him… he is loved.

Please do keep us posted with the March. Well done and thank you again X

[Plusfiftytwo]

@EileenJane does not sound crazy, i did the same and after reading about the verdicts yesterday could not sleep and kept on sobbing. It really has affected me and i keep coming back to this, although there
is nothing i or anyone can do...Cant imagine how people who knew the boy or family or the jury members feel...they probably will need counselling.

[JLee123]

I have not been able to work properly today, tears keep falling and thoughts keep drifting back to that lovely little boy. I too keep telling my 5 yr old how much I love him today. I hope Arthur is looking down and can see how much people care about what happened to him. I think I'm going to need some counselling let alone the family. I am utterly heartbroken

[HumpreyDowny]

Jlee123 same here, tears, stomach turning, and helplessness... I wish I could hug that boy...

[JLee123]

@HumpreyDowny I am here for you, and anyone else who might need a chat about it, seriously, it would help me as much as you. A lady who lives on the same road is holding a balloon vigil on Sunday (5/12) at 1pm. They're asking for white and blue balloons (I assume this is to highlight the fact that Arthur was a BCFC fan). This will be on Cranmore Road in Shirley, Solihull. I will be there so if anyone would like to meet up to talk please let me know x My balloons will have a message written on them - We all love you Arthur xx

[HumpreyDowny]

Jlee123 thank you so much, that is such a lovely thought. I'm far away from Solihull but will buy some balloons and do something in the garden tomorrow. Trying very hard not to watch those videos, my heart is broken. But when I try not to think about it I also feel guilty, because he shouldn't be forgotten. Maybe I'm weird I don't know. Have a boy the same age. When Arthur was dying last summer, we were preparing for a bday party for him. Life is so unfair...

[ilovebrie8]

The petition is over 500k signatures I pray these monsters never ever get released. I’ve been deeply affected by poor Arthur and it’s worst story I’ve ever read....please please let his killers never be released ...I’d kill them with my bare hands. She’d so many tears over this gorgeous little boy with his whole life ahead of him....so wish he’d been saved !!

[SheeceRearsmith]

Would also be interested in marching. In defence of social workers - there needs to be changes to their powers. They should be given the same powers of removal as police. Police can take children into ‘police protection’ for 72 hours. In reality this means they are then handed to social care and arrangements are made for their care by social workers whilst longer term orders are applied for. Police are not always as appreciative of risk as social workers. I know of professionals who have had concerns for safety based on injury/disclosure but police have failed to use their powers as there was food in the cupboards and the house was clean.

[Toastytoads]

I've been thinking about Poppi Worthington since hearing about poor Arthur, that poor little tot didn't get any justice at all. All abuse to children must stop,but of course it won't.

[VickyPolli]

To those who have been waiting: Frankie's sentence has been increased to 12 years.

//www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-60752118