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A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering a two-year-old girl in Ipswich, while the child's mother has been jailed for 10 years for allowing her death.
The big picture: Scott Jeff must serve a minimum of 26 years for what the judge called "monstrous" attacks on Isabella Jonas-Wheildon, whose body was discovered at temporary accommodation in Ipswich on 30 June 2023.
Why it matters: The case has highlighted serious child protection concerns after evidence revealed Isabella suffered extensive injuries over several weeks, including broken wrists and a fractured pelvis consistent with being kicked or stamped on.
Key details:
Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell, Isabella's 24-year-old mother, was sentenced to 10 years for allowing her daughter's death and child cruelty offences.
Isabella's cause of death was bone marrow embolism and skeletal trauma.
A leading bone expert testified the injuries were the worst he had seen in his 40-year career.
The couple continued to push Isabella's body around Ipswich in a buggy for four days after her death while shopping and visiting pubs.
Both defendants were arrested in Bury St Edmunds after fleeing Ipswich when police discovered Isabella's body.
What they're saying: Detective Chief Inspector Craig Powell said: "The murder of any child is the worst crime imaginable. No sentence will ever be long enough, but the court has imposed the most severe penalties that it has deemed appropriate."
The bottom line: The tragic case has deeply affected the Ipswich community, with support services now available through the Samaritans on 116 123 and the Child Death Helpline on 0800 282 986 for anyone impacted by the case.
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