Mother and man face trial for 'rape and murder' of two-year-old Isabelle Rose Welsh

The devastated family of a tragic two-year-old girl have paid an emotional tribute to the “little angel” whose mother and a man living at their address face trial for the child’s suspected rape and murder. Isabelle Rose Welsh died after being rushed to hospital following reports of concerns for her welfare.

Cleveland Police had attended the home in Thornaby, North Yorkshire, at 4.20pm on Saturday, September 13, and arrested her mother, Alexandra Walker, 25, and Harrison Simpson, 21, the following day. The pair appeared via videolink before Teesside Crown Court last week accused of the two-year-old girl's murder and rape. Both defendants, who are also accused of causing or allowing the death of a child, spoke only to confirm their names, addresses and dates of birth before being remanded in custody to appear next month for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Until today an order had been made preventing Isabelle from being identified as the victim of the alleged attacks.

But the Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Francis Laird, KC, lifted the ban, saying: “There is no requirement for a reporting restriction as the alleged victim in this case is deceased.”

Providing a moving tribute, Isabelle Rose's devastated family told Teesside Live they wanted her picture to be shared on social media, rather than those accused of killing her. Their tribute said Isabelle Rose was aged two “with a full life ahead of her”.

They said: “She was always full off smiles. Isabelle loved to watch Peppa Pig as that was her comfort show.

“She also loved her dummies and dancing.”

Isabelle's father Josh Welsh also paid tribute to his “princess.”

“Rest in peace Isabelle,” he said. “Daddy loves you all the world and back.”

The case has caused an outpouring of grief in the community.

One neighbour said: “Isabelle and her mother had not been living in the street for very long, only a matter of weeks.

“But she was a gorgeous little girl, she was very smiley and she liked to play outside in the garden on her slide.

“It is absolutely heartbreaking to think that she may have suffered in that house, people living around the street who didn't even know the family have been in tears."

Another neighbour, Phil Dolan, 64, said he has been left shocked by Isabelle's death.

He said: “It is just awful. I have granddaughters myself, so to think of this happening is terrible. They hadn't lived here very long at all, so I didn't know them. The little girl's mum introduced herself when she moved in and that was it really.

“They were really quiet, just a normal mother and child. She was busy getting the back garden all sorted out. It is such a shock."

Friends posted tributes on social media, addressing Isabelle's wider family. One said: "My heart is breaking for you all, what a beautiful little angel."

In the days following the tragic passing of the tot bunches of flowers, floral teddy bears, a balloon, candles and a teddy bear have been left outside the home.

One card left at the scene said: “A beautiful special little girl taken too soon”, “RIP little girl. Fly high with the angels now, so so sad”, “you are the brightest star in the sky” and “sleep right my little angel”.

On Sunday, a balloon release was held in the street at 5pm.

Teesside Vineyard Church in Thornaby also held prayers.

The church said: “We will be gathering for a time of prayer and worship between 6pm and 7pm. There will also be space for quiet reflection and to light candles. We would love to welcome anyone from our community to join with us.”

Walker, of Hartington Close, Thornaby, was charged with murder and causing/allowing the death of a child. Simpson, also of Hartington Close, is charged with murder, rape and causing/allowing the death of a child.

The defendants appeared via video link from prison at Teesside Crown Court on Friday and a plea hearing was set for November 6.