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Ellie Roger found: Both missing girls from Ipswich now safe

News

Suffolk Police have confirmed that Ellie Roger has been found safe and that both teenage girls reported missing from Ipswich earlier this week have now been located.

The big picture: Ellie Roger, 15, and Katie Baird, 13, who were separately reported missing on Monday, September 2nd, have both been found safe.

Ellie Roger
Ellie was located today following a public appeal by Suffolk PoliceSuffolk Police

Key details:

  • Ellie was located today following a public appeal by Suffolk Police

  • Katie Baird was found yesterday, as reported in a previous update

  • Both girls had gone missing from their homes in Ipswich

Why it matters: The safe return of both teenagers brings relief to their families and the local community.

What they're saying: A Suffolk Police spokesperson expressed gratitude, stating, "Officers would like to thank members of the public for their assistance with this appeal."

The bottom line: These positive outcomes highlight the importance of community involvement in missing person cases.

Man jailed for life for 'monstrous' murder of Ipswich toddler

News

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering a two-year-old girl in Ipswich, while the child's mother has been jailed for 10 years for allowing her death.

The big picture: Scott Jeff must serve a minimum of 26 years for what the judge called "monstrous" attacks on Isabella Jonas-Wheildon, whose body was discovered at temporary accommodation in Ipswich on 30 June 2023.

Why it matters: The case has highlighted serious child protection concerns after evidence revealed Isabella suffered extensive injuries over several weeks, including broken wrists and a fractured pelvis consistent with being kicked or stamped on.

Scott Jeff and Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell
Scott Jeff has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering a two-year-old girl in Ipswich, while the child's mother, Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell, has been jailed for 10 years for allowing her deathSuffolk Constabulary

Key details:

  • Chelsea Gleason-Mitchell, Isabella's 24-year-old mother, was sentenced to 10 years for allowing her daughter's death and child cruelty offences.

  • Isabella's cause of death was bone marrow embolism and skeletal trauma.

  • A leading bone expert testified the injuries were the worst he had seen in his 40-year career.

  • The couple continued to push Isabella's body around Ipswich in a buggy for four days after her death while shopping and visiting pubs.

  • Both defendants were arrested in Bury St Edmunds after fleeing Ipswich when police discovered Isabella's body.

Isabella Wheildon
Isabella Jonas-Wheildon's body was discovered at temporary accommodation in Ipswich on 30 June 2023Suffolk Constabulary

What they're saying: Detective Chief Inspector Craig Powell said: "The murder of any child is the worst crime imaginable. No sentence will ever be long enough, but the court has imposed the most severe penalties that it has deemed appropriate."

The bottom line: The tragic case has deeply affected the Ipswich community, with support services now available through the Samaritans on 116 123 and the Child Death Helpline on 0800 282 986 for anyone impacted by the case.

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