A court has heard how a two-year-old girl died after allegedly suffering a prolonged period of abuse at her family home.
Teesside Crown Court was told that Isabelle Rose Welsh died in September last year after sustaining a serious head injury. Prosecutors allege the toddler had experienced a pattern of mistreatment in the weeks leading up to her death.
Isabelle’s mother, Alexandra Walker, 25, and Harrison Simpson, 22, are both standing trial in connection with the case.
The pair deny charges including murder, causing or allowing the death of a child and child cruelty offences. Simpson also denies an additional charge relating to the case.
The trial heard that emergency services were called to the family home in Thornaby on September 13 last year after Isabelle was found seriously unwell.
Despite efforts to save her, the little girl died in hospital during the early hours of the following morning.
Opening the prosecution case, Richard Wright KC told jurors that Isabelle’s death was not the result of illness or an accident.
Instead, the prosecution alleges that the toddler had been subjected to repeated harm before suffering the injury that ultimately led to her death.
Mr Wright described the allegations as involving a sustained pattern of violence within the home.
The court heard that concerns had been raised about Isabelle’s wellbeing before her death.
Jurors were told that less than two weeks earlier, Walker had taken her daughter to see medical professionals after concerns about an injury to her leg.
The prosecution alleges that explanations given for some of Isabelle’s injuries were inconsistent with the medical evidence that was later uncovered.
Mr Wright told the jury that the case would involve expert medical evidence as well as CCTV footage from inside the property.
According to the prosecution, that footage will form an important part of the evidence presented during the trial.
The court heard that Simpson had become involved in a relationship with Walker during 2025 and was a frequent presence at the family home where Isabelle lived.
Prosecutors allege that both defendants must have been aware of the injuries Isabelle had suffered.
The prosecution further claims that delays in seeking medical assistance on the day Isabelle became critically ill were motivated by concerns about questions that would be asked regarding her condition.
Both defendants deny the allegations.
As the trial began, Isabelle’s death was again felt deeply by those who knew and loved her.
Following her death, family members paid emotional tributes to the little girl, describing her as a beloved child who brought happiness to those around her.
Photographs released by relatives show Isabelle smiling and playing, with loved ones remembering her as a little girl full of life.
The six-week trial is expected to hear evidence from medical experts, police investigators and other witnesses as jurors consider the allegations against Walker and Simpson.
Both defendants remain innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The trial continues.
