Trial of a Former Nursery Worker Accused of Murdering Her Daughter Begins

At Ipswich Crown Court, the trial commenced for Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell, a former nursery worker, and Scott Jeff, both 24 years old, who have been charged with the murder of two-year-old Isabella Wheildon. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges as the court convened on the 30th of June 2023.

Prosecutor Sally Howes KC presented the case, revealing that Isabella Wheildon was found deceased at a temporary housing unit managed by Ipswich Borough Council in Sidegate Lane, Ipswich. The prosecution contends that Isabella, daughter of Thomas Wheildon, was living with Gleason-Mitchell and Jeff, who were in a relationship during the period leading up to her death.

Ms Howes informed the jury of the grave injuries detailed in the post-mortem examination. The two-year-old had sustained fractures to both wrists, a severe complex pelvic fracture, and “extensive external traumatic injuries.” The cause of death was reported as a “bone marrow embolism caused by skeletal trauma.”

Both defendants were apprehended in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, on July 1, 2023. During the proceedings, Ms Howes stated, “It’s the prosecution case that Isabella Wheildon was a healthy, contented, well-cared-for little girl until Scott Jeff came into her young life.” She further asserted that the relationship between Jeff and Gleason-Mitchell marked the start of a “regime of escalating brutality.”

On the other hand, Scott Jeff denied assaulting the child, stating to the police that he “didn’t assault or commit any unlawful act in relation to Isabella at any time.” He claimed to have noticed bruises on Isabella’s face and had raised concerns with Gleason-Mitchell, attributing her response as dismissive.

Ms Gleason-Mitchell confessed to allowing harm to befall her child, yet maintained that the fatal injuries were inflicted by Jeff. Ms Howes said the violence allegedly began with “problems with potty training.” In Gleason-Mitchell’s police statement, she alleged that if Isabella expressed favor towards her mother, “Scott would hit her.”

The court heard that prior to settling in Ipswich, the couple had moved around, residing in hotels and a tent on Caister Beach in Norfolk. Housing services records from Great Yarmouth Borough Council showed that Gleason-Mitchell had declared she, her daughter, and partner were homeless.

Throughout the legal proceedings, it has been noted that Gleason-Mitchell and Jeff had fled domestic issues in Bedfordshire, seeking refuge in various locations across East Anglia. Despite being offered shelter by the council for herself and Isabella, Gleason-Mitchell reportedly refused, wishing to remain with Jeff.

The trial is expected to continue for six to eight weeks as the court examines the harrowing details surrounding Isabella Wheildon’s tragic demise.