HEARTBROKEN DAD DEMANDS LIFE BEHIND BARS FOR HIS DAUGHTER’S KILLERS — “ISABELLE WON’T HAVE A LIFE”

Joshua Welsh thought the guilty verdicts would finally bring justice for his two-year-old daughter, Isabelle.

Instead, the sentencing left him facing another painful reality.

The two people convicted over Isabelle’s death were sentenced to life in prison — but both were given minimum terms that could eventually allow them to leave prison.

Now Joshua is demanding that they receive whole-life orders.

“THEY WILL GET OUT — ISABELLE WON’T”

Isabelle’s mother, Alexandra Walker, was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 21 years and 48 days.

Her partner, Harrison Simpson, was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 27 years and 231 days.

Joshua says those sentences do not reflect the suffering his daughter endured.

He told The Sun that his initial relief after the guilty verdict quickly turned into anger when he learned the sentences.

For him, the contrast is unbearable: Isabelle’s life was taken before she could grow up, while those responsible could eventually be released.

A FATHER WHO THOUGHT HIS DAUGHTER WAS SAFE

Joshua says he believed Isabelle was being properly cared for by her mother.

He had lived with Isabelle and Walker during the early part of his daughter’s life and described having a close bond with her.

He last saw Isabelle just days before her second birthday.

He says he had never heard of Simpson before the man was arrested in connection with Isabelle’s death.

The realization of what had happened has left him struggling to understand how his daughter could have suffered without him knowing.

THE OUTSTANDING ARREST WARRANT

One of the most troubling revelations for Joshua came after the trial.

Simpson had an outstanding arrest warrant issued in March 2024, around 18 months before Isabelle’s death.

The warrant related to a failure to attend court over a breach of a non-molestation order.

Cleveland Police said multiple attempts had been made to locate and arrest Simpson, but those attempts were unsuccessful.

The force has since acknowledged that the length of time the warrant remained outstanding was inadequate and said changes have been introduced to improve the management and monitoring of outstanding warrants.

Joshua believes this was one of several missed opportunities that should be examined.

WHAT HAPPENED TO ISABELLE

During the five-week trial at Teesside Crown Court, prosecutors presented evidence of extensive injuries suffered by the toddler.

The court heard that Isabelle had suffered multiple fractures and a fatal head injury.

Walker was convicted of murder and child cruelty.

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

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

“I WANT TO BE HER VOICE”

Joshua says he now wants to dedicate himself to remembering Isabelle and campaigning for changes that could protect other children.

He also wants greater scrutiny of how authorities handle outstanding warrants and information involving vulnerable children.

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

It is about making sure Isabelle is remembered as the happy, affectionate little girl he knew — rather than being defined solely by the circumstances surrounding her final days.

Joshua lost his daughter before she had the chance to grow up. Now he says he will spend the rest of his life fighting to make sure her story is heard — and that the failures surrounding her case are never forgotten.