A court heard that the mother of a critically ill toddler, who had been a victim of sexual and physical abuse, hesitated to call emergency services as her daughter was dying. Isabelle Welsh, aged two, was discovered to have sustained 21 broken bones before her death in September after collapsing at her residence in Thornaby, Teesside. Alexandra Walker, 25, and her boyfriend Harrison Simpson, 22, are facing charges of murder, sexual assault, negligence leading to a child’s death, and child mistreatment.
According to the prosecution, on the day prior to Isabelle’s fatal head injury, Walker and Simpson were engaged in late-night drinking and cannabis use. While Walker remained in bed the next morning, Simpson was the sole caregiver for the toddler. After putting Isabelle to bed, Simpson left the property around 3pm on September 13. Subsequently, Walker searched online about toddler bleeding concerns and smoked in the kitchen.
An hour after Simpson’s departure, Walker contacted her stepfather, who urged her to dial 999. Isabelle was rushed to the hospital by paramedics but tragically passed away. Walker initially explained Isabelle’s broken tibia by claiming the toddler had hurt herself in her cot. Later, she admitted to authorities that Simpson had been abusing her daughter.
During police interviews, Simpson remained silent, while Walker was accused of deceit by the prosecution. The prosecution claimed that both defendants were complicit in the repeated violence inflicted on Isabelle, evident from the delay in seeking medical help and not taking her to the hospital promptly after her injury. The court was informed that Simpson had sole custody of Isabelle before her death, and both defendants were aware of the ongoing abuse.
The trial is ongoing.
