Alexandra Walker, 26, and Harrison Simpson, 22, were handed life sentences for the murder of two-year-old Isabelle Welsh. The court heard Isabelle suffered a brutal campaign of violence in the weeks leading up to her death on September 13 last year, sustaining 21 broken bones and 97 soft tissue injuries.
Simpson, described as a child sex offender, was also convicted of sexually assaulting the toddler. Ms Justice Norton, who sentenced the pair at Teesside Crown Court, characterized their conduct as 'sadistic'.
On the day of Isabelle's death, Simpson was alone with her and sexually assaulted her. He then left the property. When Walker awoke later that afternoon after heavy drinking, she found Isabelle barely conscious and bleeding. Instead of calling for immediate medical help, Walker searched Google for "Why would my toddler be bleeding?" An hour later, she contacted her stepfather, who urged her to call emergency services. Paramedics arrived within a minute, but Isabelle could not be saved.
A History of Injuries and Missed Warnings
In the weeks before her death, Isabelle had suffered numerous injuries. Eleven days prior, Walker took the child to a GP and then to North Tees Hospital with a fractured leg, which she claimed happened when it got caught in her cot. Despite initial concerns from hospital staff about potential abuse, doctors eventually overruled these concerns, allowing Isabelle to leave with Walker. A health visitor's concerns were also allayed over the phone by Walker.
Simpson and Walker met through Facebook Dating in the summer of the previous year and he soon moved into her home. Their relationship involved regular drinking and cannabis use. Simpson began showing an interest in bathing Isabelle alone, prompting Walker to search online for information about registered sex offenders.
During the trial, Walker blamed Simpson for Isabelle's injuries, while Simpson's defense argued Walker was responsible for the toddler's death. He declined to give evidence.
Simpson was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27 years and 231 days. Walker received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years and 48 days. Time spent in remand was taken into account for both defendants.