Scott Jeff and Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell deny murder after body of two-year-old Isabella Wheildon found in Sidegate Lane, Ipswich

A mother and her boyfriend have denied murdering a toddler in Ipswich last year.

Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell and Scott Jeff, both 24 and of no fixed abode, but formerly of Bedfordshire, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court today.

The two were charged with murder after the body of two-year-old Isabella Wheildon was discovered at a council-run temporary housing unit in Sidegate Lane on June 30, 2023.

Between them they stand accused of eight offences, with each charged with one count of murder, one of causing or allowing the death of a child, one of cruelty to a child under 16 in relation to cocaine plus one of cruelty to a child under 16 with relation to cannabis.

Gleason-Mitchell pleaded not guilty to murder, but admitted all other charges. Jeff pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Gleason-Mitchell was Isabella’s mother, while Scott Jeff was her boyfriend.

Officers were alerted to the scene shortly after 11.45am on June 30, 2023.

While inside, they discovered the body of a young girl, later confirmed to be Isabella, believed to have died between June 26 and June 30, 2023.

An initial post-mortem examination took place, but further tests were needed.

The pair were arrested in Bury St Edmunds on the morning of July 1 and taken to Martlesham Police investigation centre for questioning.

Sally Howes KC and Alex Kettle-Williams will prosecute.

Sasha Ross KC and Lynne Shirley will defend Gleason-Mitchell while Christopher Paxton KC and Jane Oldfield will represent Jeff.

The trial is expected to last between six to eight weeks.