Alexandra Walker, 25, and Harrison Simpson, 22, have been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Walker's two-year-old daughter, Isabelle Rose Welsh. Simpson must serve at least 28 years, while Walker must serve a minimum of 22 years.
The toddler was found dead at the foot of the stairs at her home in Thornaby, Teesside, last September. Her body was covered in bruises, particularly to her head, neck, abdomen, back, and genitals, Teesside Crown Court heard.
Abuse and injuries
Prosecutor Richard Wright KC said Isabelle had been a happy, healthy child until Walker began dating Simpson last summer. Walker searched Simpson on the sex offenders register after growing suspicious of his behaviour, which included spending a lot of time with Isabelle and bathing her without permission. She called him a 'paedo' in messages to her mother but continued to leave Isabelle alone with him.
Eleven days before her death, Isabelle was taken to hospital with a broken leg, which raised concerns. Walker had delayed seeking medical help for two weeks. On the day of the fatal injuries, Walker delayed calling 999 despite Googling 'why would my toddler be bleeding' and smoking a cigarette. She first called her step-father, who instructed her to call emergency services.
CCTV and evidence
Paramedics found Isabelle not breathing, cold to the touch, with bruises and blood in her nappy. She died in hospital the next day. A post-mortem revealed a fractured skull, brain damage, and signs of sexual assault. Experts said Isabelle had been shaken and her head impacted against a wall or floor.
Walker and Simpson were convicted of murder and child cruelty. Simpson was also convicted of sexually assaulting Isabelle; Walker was cleared of that charge. CCTV footage showed Walker frequently drinking up to 10 cans of lager and Simpson smoking cannabis. The footage also proved Simpson caused Isabelle's broken leg while alone with her.
Sentences and reactions
Ms Justice Norton imposed life sentences, with Simpson's minimum term of 28 years and Walker's of 22 years. Wright said Walker did not protect her daughter: 'On the contrary, she delayed, she deflected, and she failed to act when action was most urgently required.'
Kirstie Devine of the Crown Prosecution Service said: 'The prosecution presented a raft of evidence including pathology reports, expert medical evidence, CCTV from the home, records of text messages and phone conversations that showed only the two adults who were regularly with Isabelle could have harmed her.'
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Chatterton said: 'Isabelle suffered catastrophic injuries at the hands of the very people who should have loved her, cared for her and protected her. Her life was cruelly taken in the most tragic and heart-breaking circumstances.'
