A report reveals failures in protecting Isabella Wheildon, who died in Ipswich. Authorities rarely saw or heard her.
Scott Jeff and Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell were jailed last year for their involvement in Isabella’s murder. Jeff received a sentence of at least 26 years, while Gleason-Mitchell, Isabella’s mother, received 10 years.
The review, conducted by a safeguarding partnership, stated that Isabella was “invisible” to authorities. Dr. Russell Wate, who wrote the report, highlighted that no one properly saw Isabella, nor sought out her voice or experience. The pair were from Central Bedfordshire.
Isabella’s body was found in June 2023. Gleason-Mitchell and Jeff had wheeled her in a pushchair and left her in a bathroom at a housing unit in Sidegate Lane.
The Court of Appeal will review the mother’s sentence. For the review, Dr. Wate consulted various authorities, including councils, police, and NHS trusts, spanning Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk.
The review found many factors were overlooked, including that witnesses saw bruises and non-accidental injuries but didn’t report them to child services. Gleason-Mitchell’s history of vulnerability, self-harm, ADHD, depression, and anxiety was also downplayed.
The report links ADHD, toxic relationships, and homelessness, stating authorities focused too much on the father concerning alleged domestic abuse. It argues that not enough focus was placed on Jeff, Gleason-Mitchell’s boyfriend, and the threat he posed.
Information about Jeff wasn’t shared between groups. Gleason-Mitchell and Jeff moved counties often, changing which agencies were responsible. Cross-border moves create information barriers and these need resolving, both locally and nationally. The family moved from Central Bedfordshire to Norfolk and Suffolk, hindering information sharing and decision-making.
Many agencies became involved, but no single professional understood the whole situation, with each assuming others knew more details. Authorities rarely saw Isabella in person. Police and GPs had limited contact. A single visit occurred in Ipswich, but there was no follow up. Joint visits and a focus on ongoing harm were needed to improve the situation.
Safeguarding teams state progress on recommendations with Central Bedfordshire, Suffolk, and Norfolk issuing a statement. The review aims to identify learning and consolidate good practice. It also contains suggestions for improvements.
These recommendations address agencies, practices, and issues. All agencies accept the review’s findings and are working to implement the suggestions. Draft recommendations were shared with all agencies involved, as well as the National Panel.
The Safeguarding Children’s Partnerships are working with agencies to ensure every recommendation gets implemented. The partnerships offer condolences to Isabella’s family and send thoughts to all who knew and loved her during this difficult time.