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Man found guilty of murdering two-year-old Isabella Jonas-Wheildon in Ipswich

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A 24-year-old man has been convicted of murdering a two-year-old girl at temporary accommodation in Ipswich, while the child's mother was found guilty of causing or allowing her death. Both were also convicted of child cruelty after tests found traces of cocaine and cannabis in the toddler's system.

Why it matters: Two-year-old Isabella Jonas-Wheildon suffered fatal injuries while in the care of those meant to protect her, with a jury unanimously finding Scott Jeff guilty of her murder.

Scott Jeff and Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell
Scott Jeff was found guilty of murdering Isabella, and Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell was convicted of causing or allowing her death, having previously pleaded guilty to two counts of child crueltySuffolk Constabulary

The big picture: Scott Jeff was found guilty at Ipswich Crown Court of murdering Isabella Jonas-Wheildon, who was discovered dead in June 2023. The child's mother, Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell, 24, was convicted of causing or allowing her death and had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of child cruelty.

Key details:

  • Isabella's body was found on 30 June 2023 at temporary accommodation in Ipswich.

  • Post-mortem revealed she died from bone marrow embolism and skeletal trauma.

  • The child sustained fractures to both wrists and pelvis after 12 June, consistent with being kicked or stamped on.

  • Tests revealed traces of cocaine and cannabis in Isabella's system.

  • Jeff and Gleason-Mitchell fled to Bury St Edmunds after police discovered Isabella's body.

  • Both were arrested on 1 July and charged with murder on 4 July.

  • Gleason-Mitchell's claims that Jeff might be Isabella's father were proven false.

Between the lines: Evidence showed the couple had been moving between temporary accommodations in Norfolk before arriving in Ipswich, with Isabella already showing signs of injury. They initially claimed they were fleeing domestic abuse – a claim Gleason-Mitchell later admitted was false.

Isabella Wheildon
Isabella Jonas-Wheildon was found on 30 June 2023 at temporary accommodation in IpswichSuffolk Constabulary

What's next: Both defendants have been remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on 13 December.

Bottom line: The conviction marks the end of an eight-week trial that Detective Chief Inspector Craig Powell called "the worst crime imaginable."

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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