Trial set for couple accused of murdering toddler

Isabella Rose Wheildon, two, with her mother Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell, who is charged with her murder

A date has been set for the trial of a couple accused of murdering a toddler and leaving her in a locked bathroom.

Isabella Rose Wheildon was found dead in a pushchair at a temporary housing unit in Sidegate Lane, Ipswich, on 30 June last year.

Her mother Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell, 23, and her boyfriend Scott Jeff, 24, were both arrested and charged with killing the two-year-old. The couple - previously from Bedfordshire - have been remanded in custody.

At Ipswich Crown Court, Judge Martyn Levett confirmed a trial, expected to last up to two months, will begin on 7 October.

Scott Jeff has been charged with murdering Isabella Rose Wheildon, along with her mother, Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell

The date was set during a case management hearing at which Ms Gleason-Mitchell appeared via video link from prison. Mr Jeff did not appear.

Last year an inquest was told Isabella, who was born on 22 September 2020 in Stevenage, died between 26 and 30 June 2023.

The court heard officers arrived at East Villas, the temporary home address of Ms Gleason-Mitchell and Mr Jeff at about 13:10 BST.

Police found the toddler in her pushchair inside and she was declared dead at the scene by a paramedic.

Police officers found the toddler in a locked bathroom at East Villas temporary housing unit Sidegate Lane in Ipswich

An initial post-mortem examination was carried out on Isabella's body but further tests were required to establish the cause of death.

A referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding previous contact Norfolk Police had with the girl.

Speaking last year, an IOPC spokesperson said: "We have received a mandatory referral from Norfolk Police regarding contact officers had with the deceased in the weeks prior to her death.

"We are currently assessing the referral to determine whether further action may be required from us."