Alexandra Walker, 26, and Harrison Simpson, 22, have been jailed for life after being found guilty of the murder and child cruelty of Walker's two-year-old daughter, Isabelle Welsh. Teesside Crown Court heard that Isabelle was subjected to "sadistic" violence and sexual abuse.
Ms Justice Norton stated that both were "equally and jointly responsible" for Isabelle's murder and the campaign of cruelty she endured. Simpson was also convicted of sexual abuse of a child.
Simpson was ordered to serve a minimum of 28 and a half years, while Walker was given a minimum term of 22 years. The court heard Isabelle was fatally injured at her Thornaby home on the morning of 13 September 2025, with Walker not calling 999 until hours later.