The father of a two-year-old girl murdered by her mother and stepfather has said he wants the killers to die while in prison. Joshua Welsh said he wanted Alexandra Walker and Harrison Simpson to be given whole life orders after they were jailed for life last month for the murder of Isabelle Welsh.
Isabelle suffered 21 broken bones before she collapsed at her home in Thornaby, North Yorkshire, in September 2025. Walker, 26, and Simpson were convicted of murder and child cruelty at Teesside Crown Court. Simpson, 22, was also convicted of sexually assaulting Isabelle. Simpson was given a minimum of 27 years and 231 days, and Walker a minimum of 21 years and 48 days.
Father's growing anger
Joshua said that while he initially felt justice had been delivered for his "little angel", the longer he reflected on the tragedy, the more his rage intensified. He said his initial relief at the guilty verdicts was dashed just hours after the sentencing.
He told The Sun: "The sentence was absolutely shocking. I now need to fight for justice for my daughter. They will get out when they are 50. Isabelle won't have a life."
Call for full life terms
Joshua is now calling for the pair to be given a full life term, like serial killers Rosemary West and Levi Bellfield. The rare orders mean offenders will never be eligible for parole and remain in prison for the rest of their life.
Paying tribute to Isabelle, Joshua added: "She was a beautiful, innocent and loving little girl. Isabelle was bubbly, full of smiles and had so much love to give. Every time you would see her her little smile would light up a room."
Relationship and warnings
The grieving father said his relationship with Walker started in May 2022 and the pair moved in together after just three weeks. He thought she was a caring mother and had no welfare concerns for Isabelle, despite being unable to see her as much as he would have liked after they split up in August 2024.
His final meeting with Isabelle occurred just days before her second birthday, and he had never encountered Simpson prior to his arrest. Joshua added: "My main message would be not to let any strangers into your house. Do the right tests and checks before you let anyone take care of your children. But she was also failed by the authorities and there were several chances to save her."
