A woman and her recent partner face charges of killing and sexually assaulting a young child who sustained 21 fractures in the weeks before her death, according to court proceedings.
The two-year-old, Isabelle Welsh, collapsed at her residence in Hartington Close, Thornaby, Teesside, after suffering a severe head injury that proved fatal, as per statements made to jurors.
Alexandra Walker, 25, and Harrison Simpson, 22, are standing trial at Teesside Crown Court, denying charges of murder, child cruelty, allowing a child’s death, and sexual assault.
The pair began their relationship last summer, with Simpson frequently visiting Walker’s home and spending substantial time with the child, as indicated by jurors.
When Walker called emergency services on September 13 due to her daughter collapsing, paramedics discovered Isabelle at the staircase base, unresponsive and critically unwell.
During the trial, it was disclosed that the child displayed extensive bruising on various body parts, including the head, neck, abdomen, back, and private areas, along with blood in her diaper and vomit on her face.
Despite immediate medical attention and efforts by specialized medical personnel, Isabelle passed away in the early hours of September 14.
Prosecutors alleged that Isabelle had been violently shaken, her spine forcefully stretched, and her head forcefully struck against a solid surface like a wall or floor.
The prosecution contended that both Walker and Simpson had ample opportunities to harm the toddler, with the small house layout suggesting awareness of the ongoing abuse.
Walker had taken her daughter to a medical facility 11 days before her demise, where a fractured leg was diagnosed, but she was discharged despite some medical concerns.
Additionally, a post mortem examination unveiled 21 bone fractures and extensive bruising, believed to be a result of forceful gripping.
Prosecutors highlighted Walker’s delayed reporting of the fractured leg and the failure to seek medical help when Isabelle’s health deteriorated in the days leading to her death.
The trial also revealed the unhealthy relationship dynamics between the accused, marked by substance abuse, neglect of care for Isabelle, and regular violence inflicted upon the child.
Unusually, CCTV footage from cameras installed at Walker’s residence was presented in court, shedding light on the events leading up to the tragic incident.
The prosecution quoted early messages exchanged between Walker and Simpson, with Walker identifying herself as the primary caregiver for her daughter and pursuing studies in forensics.
The trial is ongoing.