“SHE WON’T GET HER LIFE BACK”: GRIEVING DAD DEMANDS FULL LIFE TERMS FOR ISABELLE’S KILLERS

The father of two-year-old Isabelle is demanding tougher sentences for the two people convicted in connection with his daughter’s death, saying he cannot accept that they may one day be released while his little girl will never have the chance to grow up.

Joshua Welsh initially felt a sense of relief when Isabelle’s mother, Alexandra Walker, and her boyfriend, Harrison Simpson, were found guilty.

But that feeling quickly disappeared when their sentences were announced.

“I WANT JUSTICE FOR MY DAUGHTER”

Both Walker and Simpson received life sentences.

Simpson was given a minimum term of 27 years and 231 days, while Walker received a minimum term of 21 years and 48 days.

For Joshua, those sentences were not enough.

He is now calling for both to receive whole-life orders, arguing that the punishment should reflect the suffering his daughter endured.

Isabelle was just two years old.

Her father says the thought of her killers eventually leaving prison while she will never have a future is something he struggles to accept.

A CASE THAT SHOCKED THE COURT

The five-week trial at Teesside Crown Court revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse.

The court heard that Isabelle suffered multiple fractures and other serious injuries during the weeks before her final hospitalization.

Simpson was convicted of murder, sexual assault by penetration and child cruelty.

Walker was convicted of murder and child cruelty.

The judge described the injuries inflicted on Isabelle as “sadistic” and said the little girl was in pain and distress during the final period of her life.

THE WARNING THAT CAME TOO LATE

Joshua has also questioned whether Isabelle could have been protected if authorities had acted differently.

One of the most troubling details for him was learning that Simpson had an outstanding arrest warrant issued in March 2024.

According to the report, attempts were made to locate him, but police were unable to find him.

The warrant remained outstanding for around 18 months before Isabelle’s death.

Cleveland Police has acknowledged that the length of time the warrant remained outstanding was unacceptable and said changes have since been introduced to improve the monitoring of outstanding warrants.

“SHE WAS MY LITTLE ANGEL”

Joshua says he had no reason to believe Isabelle was in danger while she was living with her mother.

He described his daughter as happy, affectionate and full of personality.

He last saw her only days before her second birthday.

Now, he says his goal is to make sure she is remembered for the little girl she was — rather than for the horrific circumstances surrounding her final days.

“I want justice for Isabelle,” is the message he continues to carry.

A FATHER’S CAMPAIGN FOR CHANGE

Joshua says he wants to use his daughter’s story to raise awareness about child protection and the importance of authorities acting on warning signs.

For him, the case is no longer only about punishment.

It is also about preventing another child from being failed in the same way.

Isabelle never got the chance to grow up, celebrate another birthday or build the life her father imagined for her.

Now Joshua is determined to keep speaking for his “little angel” — and to make sure her name is never forgotten.