Toddler murder accused 'brushed off' concerns

A couple accused of murdering a two-year-old "brushed off" suggestions they should get help from social services, a trial heard.

Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell and Scott Jeff have denied the murder of Isabella Wheildon, who was found dead at temporary accommodation in Ipswich on 30 June 2023.

Days before the toddler's death, they had been living in a tent on the beach in Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk, jurors at Ipswich Crown Court were told.

The couple, both aged 24 and from Bedfordshire, appeared "vulnerable" and looked as if they "hadn't washed", a nearby bar manager said.

They turned up at Branford's Restaurant & Bar, in the seaside village, asking for jobs on 14 June, manager Amy Thain said.

Ms Thain said upon seeing the couple, she contacted a friend who worked at a women's refuge and urged them to "put the little one first".

However, she told the court that Ms Gleason-Mitchell and Mr Jeff "brushed it off".

Jurors were also told the couple did not accept refuge because Mr Jeff, who had lied about being Isabella's father, would not be allowed to stay with her.

Ms Thain described Ms Gleason-Mitchell as "quiet" but "very grateful for the help", and said both she and Mr Jeff claimed to be escaping domestic violence.

Leanne Jasper, a waitress at the bar, also noticed the child was wearing a coat in summer and appeared to be bruised, the court heard.

"She took her hood off, and she had bruising to the left of her face," she told the jury.

"It was all down one side, green and yellow - like an old bruise."

Staff at the bar arranged for the couple to stay at a nearby holiday park in Great Yarmouth, Ms Jasper added.

The trial previously heard how Isabella was found dead in a property in Sidegate Lane, Ipswich, on 30 June.

She had multiple fractures to her pelvis and wrists, with injuries similar to those suffered in "high impact" car accidents or falling from height, jurors have been told.

Suffolk Police believed Isabella had been dead for a number of days before she was found by officers.

Both Ms Gleason-Mitchell and Mr Jeff had not alerted anyone other than one friend about the toddler's death, the court heard.

Ms Gleason-Mitchell, originally from Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, admits causing or allowing the death of a child and child cruelty, but denies murder.

Mr Jeff denies the same charges and the trial continues.

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