Key facts
- Harrison Simpson was convicted of murdering and sexually assaulting his partner's two-year-old daughter, Isabelle Welsh.
- A warrant for Simpson's arrest was issued in March 2024 after he failed to appear in court for breaching a non-molestation order.
- Cleveland Police acknowledged a failure to execute the arrest warrant for 18 months prior to his arrest for murder.
- Isabelle Welsh suffered 21 broken bones, internal tears, and 97 soft tissue injuries before her death.
- Simpson was jailed for a minimum of 27 years, and his partner Alexandra Walker received a minimum of 21 years for murder.
Police in Cleveland, UK, failed to arrest Harrison Simpson for 18 months after a warrant was issued for his arrest over a charge of breaching a non-molestation order. Simpson was later convicted of the murder and sexual assault of his partner's two-year-old daughter, Isabelle Welsh, who suffered a campaign of violence including 21 broken bones and numerous soft tissue injuries before her death.
Simpson was charged in March 2024 with breaching a non-molestation order, and a warrant for his arrest was issued that same month when he failed to appear in court. Cleveland Police stated that multiple attempts were made to locate and arrest him, but these were unsuccessful. The force acknowledged that the delay was "far from adequate" and has since conducted a review of its suspect management processes. Changes implemented include improved visibility of outstanding warrants, a comprehensive tracking system, and daily reviews of high-risk warrants by senior management.
Isabelle's father, Josh Welsh, expressed that the convictions brought justice for his daughter. Ms Justice Norton described the conduct of Simpson and his partner, Alexandra Walker, as "sadistic." Walker was found guilty of murder and child cruelty, receiving a minimum sentence of 21 years, while Simpson was jailed for a minimum of 27 years for murder and sexual assault.
Social services and police were reportedly unaware of the relationship between Simpson and Walker, which had lasted three months before Isabelle's death. The local safeguarding hub had two interactions with Isabelle and Walker in the weeks prior, but no further action was taken. A health visitor saw Isabelle four days before her death but did not attend the family home.