Systemic Failures Preceded Toddler's Murder by Mother and Boyfriend

Harrison Simpson, the boyfriend of Isabelle's mother, Alexandra Walker, carried an outstanding arrest warrant for breaching a non-molestation order prior to Isabelle's death.

Cleveland Police acknowledged the time Simpson spent with an outstanding arrest warrant was 'far from adequate.'

The force stated multiple unsuccessful attempts to apprehend Simpson, confirming, 'Multiple enquiries and arrest attempts were carried out to try to locate and arrest him but these proved unsuccessful.'

This non-molestation order had been put in place after Simpson harassed and threatened a woman.

Cleveland Police informed Isabelle’s family about the outstanding warrant early in the investigation.

The force stated, 'In line with openness and transparency, we informed Isabelle’s family of the circumstances surrounding the outstanding warrant early on in the investigation,' and a review was immediately conducted upon Simpson's arrest for murder.

Cleveland Police has since implemented significant changes, including improved visibility across the force regarding outstanding warrants and a comprehensive data system to track them.

Stringent oversight, including a governance group led by a superintendent, has also been established; this group aims to continually improve processes around suspect management.

Beyond the police's admitted failings, a nurse previously raised safeguarding concerns for Isabelle with doctors, concerns that were subsequently overruled.

Medical attention for Isabelle was only sought after her stepfather insisted.

Walker and Simpson met on Facebook Dating, beginning a relationship during which Simpson lived at Walker's house.

CCTV footage captured Walker consuming large amounts of alcohol and Simpson smoking cannabis, offering a glimpse into the chaotic household environment.

Walker claimed heavy drinking on the night of her daughter's murder, asserting the young girl must have injured her leg when it became caught in her cot, a narrative the court ultimately rejected.

The court noted Walker's initial concerns about Simpson when their relationship began; she looked up his name on the Sex Offenders Register but ignored the glaring signs.

Simpson portrayed himself as a family man on social media, but in reality, he was a depraved paedophile, adopting a victim mentality and believing he was being judged for past mistakes.

The toddler sustained an unsurvivable head injury in the 24 hours preceding her death, and she was sexually assaulted around the time the fatal blow was inflicted.

Walker claimed she blamed Simpson for the injuries, while Simpson's barrister stated Walker was responsible for Isabelle's death.

Ms Justice Norton reflected on the profound tragedy, stating, 'Any death is a tragedy. The death of a very young child at the hands of those who should have cared for, protected, and loved her – as she no doubt loved them – is particularly distressing for all involved.'

Paul Abrahams described the events as 'a campaign of quite deliberate extreme violence.'

The judge stated the murder was the final act in a sustained campaign of violence.

Simpson and Walker were convicted of murder and jailed for life, receiving minimum terms of 27 years and 21 years respectively.