Man Accused of Toddler’s Murder Denies Guilt in Court

A court has been informed that a man accused of a toddler’s killing was recorded telling police, “I never murdered her”. Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell, 24, and Scott Jeff, 24, both deny the murder of Ms. Gleason-Mitchell’s daughter, Isabella Wheildon, which is alleged to have occurred between 26 and 30 June 2023. The two-year-old’s body was discovered on 30 June 2023, inside a flat at the East Villa temporary housing complex on Sidegate Lane, Ipswich. Ipswich Crown Court heard that the couple was arrested in the early hours of the following day in Mustow Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. In police body-camera footage, Mr. Jeff was seen telling an officer: “I never murdered her. I didn’t know what to do.” He continued, “I’ve got nothing to hide apart from the fact I was trying to get out for the night. I panicked. I tried to bring her back.” The court was informed that the couple had been captured on CCTV leaving a pub shortly before their arrest. The pair, who originate from Bedfordshire, had been without permanent housing before being provided accommodation in Ipswich. Mr. Jeff stated to the police that he intended to return to Ipswich to surrender himself. Jurors were presented with photographs of blood-stained items found in the flat where Isabella’s body was located in a pushchair in the bathroom. These items included a pair of leggings she was wearing, a grey duvet cover, a towel from a cot, a pair of adult-sized white jeans, a pair of child’s shorts, a bathrobe, and a pair of child’s leggings. The blood stains on all these articles matched Isabella’s DNA profile. The court was told that it was not possible to determine how the blood was deposited on them. A statement read to the court by Bethany Birkenshaw, a mental health worker and childhood friend of Ms. Gleason-Mitchell, indicated that the defendant “was not all there” and experienced intellectual challenges. Ms. Birkenshaw mentioned she had once asked Ms. Gleason-Mitchell if she had been shaken as a child. She added that Ms. Gleason-Mitchell had always desired to work with children, was easily manipulated, and had faced bullying due to receiving learning support. Ms. Gleason-Mitchell has admitted to charges of causing or allowing the death of a child and child cruelty, but she denies murder. Mr. Jeff denies the same charges. The trial is ongoing.