These are the faces of mum Alexandra Walker and her boyfriend Harrison Simpson, who have been convicted of murdering Walker's two-year-old Isabelle Welsh.
The 26-year-old mother remained impassive as she was found guilty of murder and child neglect following a five-week trial at Teesside Crown Court.
Following the verdicts in court, Isabelle’s family said in a statement: “Isabelle should have had her whole life ahead of her, but she was taken from us in the most heartbreaking way. She was so loved and our lives will never be the same without her.
“While today’s verdicts cannot undo the pain caused or bring Isabelle back, it does mean justice has been served. We will remember Isabelle forever and ask for privacy as we continue to grieve as a family.”
Jurors listened to day after day of harrowing evidence as the two defendants blamed each other for the sexual and physical abuse Isabelle faced during her short life, and for causing her death inside her home on Hartington Close, Thornaby, last September.
They watched CCTV footage of the vibrant young girl slip into a cowering toddler as her health rapidly declined after Simpson started spending so much time in her Thornaby home last year.
The court heard how Isabelle suffered 21 fractured bones and almost 100 bruises and abrasions over a two-month period.
Both defendants denied responsibility.
Speaking after the pair were convicted, 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 heartbreaking circumstances.
“She should have had a lifetime of opportunities ahead of her. Instead, Walker and Simpson robbed Isabelle of her future and deprived her family of watching her grow up and achieve those milestones that so many take for granted.
“Today, Walker and Simpson have been held accountable for their actions. While no outcome can ever undo the immense loss suffered by Isabelle’s family, I hope this result provides some measure of justice and helps them as they continue to come to terms with their devastating loss.
“Our thoughts remain firmly with Isabelle’s loved ones. I would also like to thank everyone who contributed to this investigation. Throughout what has been an exceptionally distressing and challenging case, they showed unwavering professionalism, compassion and determination in ensuring that justice was secured for Isabelle.”
Kirstie Devine, from the Crown Prosecution Service, added: “Isabelle Welsh would be alive today if it wasn’t for the shocking violence she suffered at the hands of her mother and her mother’s boyfriend.
“Alexandra Walker and Harrison Simpson subjected her to appalling abuse and did not seek medical treatment for Isabelle even when it was clear she was extremely unwell.
“During her evidence, Walker repeatedly claimed she never hurt Isabelle and wasn’t aware of Simpson doing so. However, Walker only called 999 when told to do so by a family member, but sadly, nothing could be done to save Isabelle, and she died a few hours later.
“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.”
An NSPCC spokesperson said: “This is an incredibly distressing and heartbreaking case. In the final weeks of Isabelle’s short life, she was sexually abused by Simpson and subjected to a series of violent assaults by both him and her mother, the very people who should have been protecting her from harm.
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“When a child dies in such devastating circumstances, people inevitably ask how such a tragedy could happen. While Walker and Simpson are responsible for Isabelle’s death, it is vital that any potential learnings are identified and acted upon to help prevent future tragedies."
Anyone who has concerns about a child’s welfare or safety can call 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk. If a child is in immediate danger, always call the police on 999.
The Honourable Ms Justice Norton told the defendants that they will be sentenced on Thursday.
She said they were facing an automatic life sentence, but she will impose a minimum term of imprisonment for both defendants.
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