Isabella Wheildon murder trial: Toddler found dead in Sidegate Lane, Ipswich, had cocaine and cannabis in her system, court hears

A toddler who was found dead in a locked bathroom in Ipswich had traces of cocaine and cannabis in her system, a court has been told.

The trial of Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell and Scott Jeff, both 24 and of no fixed address, but formerly of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, continues at Ipswich Crown Court.

The couple stand accused of the murder of two-year-old Isabella Wheildon, after her body was discovered at East Villa, a council-run temporary housing unit in Sidegate Lane on June 30, 2023.

Sally Howes KC, who is leading the prosecution against the couple, told the court that toxicologists found cocaine and a byproduct of it in Isabella’s blood.

This suggested Isabella had ingested cocaine within a few days of her death.

Furthermore, analysis of hair samples also found traces of cannabis.

Ms Howes said they could not determine how or when the drugs were consumed, but suggested Isabella could have been around the couple while they were smoking crack cocaine.

The presence of cannabis suggested passive exposure, such as by inhaling smoke, she said.

Police also searched the flat in which Isabella was found, where a bottle containing an amber liquid was discovered, the court heard.

This was determined to be urine. After tests, it was found to match a DNA sample of Scott Jeff and also contained traces of cocaine.

After her arrest, Gleason-Mitchell consented to give a blood sample, which also found she had taken cocaine within the last few days, although Ms Howes said it was a low concentration.

Between them, Gleason-Mitchell and Jeff were 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.

Earlier today, the prosecution alleged that Isabella was subjected to ‘escalated brutality’ which was ‘callous, cruel and ultimately fatal’ in the weeks leading up to her death.

While Isabella was found on June 30, 2023, the prosecution argued she died on June 26.

The couple were arrested in Bury St Edmunds on July 1, 2023.

The trial continues and is expected to last for six to eight weeks.