Warning: This article discusses child abuse, which may be distressing for some readers.
A UK couple has been sentenced for their involvement in the tragic death of a two-year-old girl.
Scott Jeff and Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell, both 24, were caught on CCTV appearing cheerful as they pushed the deceased toddler’s body in a stroller in June 2023.
The duo, who hail from Bedfordshire, had moved into temporary housing in Ipswich shortly before the murder of Isabella Jonas-Wheildon, Gleason-Mitchell’s daughter.
The Ipswich Crown Court was informed that Isabella endured ‘psychological torment’ and ‘physical trauma’ inflicted by Jeff, who had an ‘evil temper’.
The toddler’s body, showing ‘traumatic injuries’, was discovered in a locked bathroom on June 30, a situation suggesting she had died four days earlier. The couple had tried to cover up the injuries she had sustained.
The recorded medical cause of Isabella’s death was a ‘bone marrow embolism caused by skeletal trauma’.
Earlier this week, the couple faced sentencing after their arrest in July 2023.
Jeff received a life sentence with a minimum of 26 years for murder. Gleason-Mitchell was acquitted of murder but sentenced to 10 years after admitting to causing or allowing a child’s death.
Nikki Miller from the Crown Prosecution Service made a statement after the sentencing.
She stated, “In her short life, Isabella Wheildon faced repeated and prolonged acts of abuse.
“Scott Jeff’s violent attacks and the lack of protection from her mother, Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell, showed complete disregard for her welfare, by those who should have ensured her safety from harm.”
“Using forensic and digital evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service provided the jury with a comprehensive view of Jeff and Gleason-Mitchell’s despicable actions, including how they disguised Isabella’s injuries using clothing, blankets, and sunglasses, and how, following her tragic death, they concealed her body and moved it around the area in a stroller.
“Scott Jeff and Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell are now sentenced for their crimes and will face significant prison terms.
“I sincerely hope that today’s outcome offers some solace to those who will always cherish and remember Isabella.”
The police have released disturbing CCTV footage showing the couple moving with the stroller before their arrest.
High Court judge Justice Neil Garnham criticized the couple for their severe crimes and character.
He remarked, “There she was, a two-year-old child, utterly reliant on the two of you.
“Jeff, you subjected that defenseless young girl to a brutal regime of violence. Those attacks were monstrous. She lived in fear of what would happen next.
“Gleason-Mitchell, you are weak and spineless, pathetically desperate. Isabella must have sought help from you, but you did nothing.
“It’s clear to me that her killing has had a devastating impact on her family, leaving their lives permanently scarred.
“The responsibility for this pain rests with you both.”
If you’re affected by these issues or wish to speak to someone confidentially about child welfare, the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) is available 24/7 and serves the United States, Canada, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico.