A mother and her boyfriend who murdered two-year-old Isabelle Rose Welsh following a campaign of violence have today been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Harrison Simpson will serve a life sentence with a minimum 27 years and 231 days, whilst Alexandra Walker will serve a minimum 21 years and 48 days.

Emergency services were called to an address on Hartington Close in Thornaby on 13 September 2025 following concerns for the welfare of a young child.

Isabelle was taken to hospital shortly afterwards where she very sadly passed away from a catastrophic head injury. In the weeks before her death, Isabelle sustained multiple fractures to 21 bones and her body was covered in bruises.

Isabelle’s mother, Alexandra Walker, 26, and Alexandra’s boyfriend Harrison Simpson, 22, were both arrested in connection with her death due to the severity of her injuries.

They were subsequently charged with a number of offences which the pair denied when they appeared in court.

Following a trial lasting five weeks, the jury found Simpson guilty of murder, sexual assault by penetration and child cruelty while Walker was found guilty of murder and child cruelty on Tuesday 28 July at Teesside Crown Court.

As they were sentenced at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday 30 July, the Judge commended Detective Chief Inspector Steve Chatterton and his team, along with Family Liaison Officers.

In a statement, Isabelle’s family previously said: “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

“Whilst today’s result 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.”

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Chatterton, said: “Isabelle was an innocent child who should have been safe and happy at home. The pain and suffering she experienced at the hands of Walker and Simpson was sickening.

“This has been, without a doubt, one of the worst cases my team and I have dealt with. The severity and scale of Isabelle’s injuries were shocking and the fact that Walker repeatedly lied to try and cover their tracks further added to the pain of Isabelle’s family. Our thoughts remain firmly with Isabelle’s loved ones.

“Despite the extremely distressing nature of this case, my team showed unwavering determination to secure justice for Isabelle. They remained professional and compassionate throughout the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings and I’d like to thank them for their outstanding commitment in ensuring Walker and Simpson were held accountable for their despicable actions. I’m also grateful for the expertise and support from the Crown Prosecution Service in helping to secure this result.”

“Today, Alexandra Walker and Harrison Simpson have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder, torture and abuse of two-year-old Isabelle Welsh. 

“This investigation exposed the heartbreaking and sustained abuse of a vulnerable little girl who should have been protected, loved and cared for. Instead, Isabelle suffered repeated and serious injuries over a prolonged period before ultimately losing her life as a result of a devastating attack.

“Our thoughts remain first and foremost with Isabelle. She was a defenceless child whose life was cruelly taken from her, and the circumstances of her death have deeply affected everyone involved in this investigation.

“I would like to thank the jury for the care and attention they have given to what has been an extremely distressing case.

“I also want to pay tribute to the police officers, specialist staff, medical experts, prosecutors and all those who worked tirelessly to uncover the truth of what happened to Isabelle. Their professionalism and commitment ensured that those responsible were brought before the courts and held accountable for their actions.

“The evidence revealed a catalogue of appalling abuse which no child should ever experience. Isabelle suffered significant injuries over a period of weeks.

“There are no winners today and whilst today’s sentence cannot bring Isabelle back, justice has been served and it does ensure that Walker and Simpson will spend many years behind bars for the unimaginable suffering and torture they have caused.

“I hope this outcome provides some measure of justice for Isabelle and for all those who loved her. We will continue to work relentlessly to protect vulnerable children and to pursue those who seek to harm them, but we need your help, from both the public and professionals out there, please report concerns to us. You are the voice for them children that cannot ask, or do not know who to ask for help.  You can make sure their voice is heard.

“Today, we remember Isabelle. She deserved a future filled with love, happiness and safety. She was denied that opportunity, and she must never be forgotten.”