Thornaby’s mother and boyfriend were charged with murdering the girl

A mother and her new boyfriend have been jailed for life for the “tragic” abuse and murder of her two-year-old daughter.

Isabel Welsh was a “happy and prosperous” child before her mother, Alexandra Walker, invited Harrison Simpson into their life in Thornaby, Stockton, in June 2025, Teesside Crown Court heard.

A judge said Isabel was the victim of a campaign of violence and sexual abuse by people who were supposed to love, care for and protect her.

Simpson, 22, and Walker, 26. Both were found guilty of murder and child crueltyaccused of sexually abusing a child with Simpson. Simpson must serve at least 28 and a half years and Walker 22 years.

This breaking news is being updated and more details will be published soon. Please refresh the page for the full version.

You can receive breaking news on your smartphone or tablet. BBC News app. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on X, External To get the latest alerts.