Source: Cleveland Police published on this website Friday 31 July 2026 by Jill Powell
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.”
