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Jack Abbott calls for Police Connect meeting in Ipswich

News

Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, has written to Suffolk police leaders requesting a Police Connect meeting be held in the town centre. The request comes after Ipswich was not included in the planned locations for these community engagement events.

The big picture: The request highlights the importance of community-police engagement, particularly in larger population centres like Ipswich.

Why it matters: Police Connect meetings allow residents to engage with high-level police officials. Ipswich, Suffolk's largest town, is not currently scheduled to host one of these meetings, though a meeting is scheduled for Martlesham.

Letter from Jack Abbott
Full letter from Jack Abbott to Tim Passmore, Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner, and Rachel Kearton, Suffolk Chief ConstableJack Abbott

Key points:

  • Abbott addressed his letter to Tim Passmore, Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner, and Rachel Kearton, Suffolk Chief Constable.

  • Police Connect meetings are planned for other Suffolk locations this autumn, including Martlesham.

  • The MP suggests that excluding Ipswich could be perceived negatively by residents.

What they're saying: "These events are important opportunities for the public to engage with policing in Suffolk at the highest level," Abbott said. He added, "Despite being Suffolk's largest town by some distance, there is a perception that Ipswich is sometimes treated as an afterthought."

Abbott further stated that omitting Ipswich "would be a mistake at a time when we need to be fostering positive relationships and providing reassurance to residents."

Tim Passmore, Suffolk Police & Crime Commissioner, responded: "Each year we stage a public meeting in each of the three policing areas and this year we will also host one mid-county in Stowmarket to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to engage with myself and Chief Constable directly.

“We will look at the possibility of adding a meeting in Ipswich and will update you once details are confirmed.”

Meetings are currently scheduled at:

  • Martlesham: 6:30pm on October 9th at the Police Headquarters in Martlesham.

  • Stowmarket: 6:30pm on September 12th at The Mix in Stowmarket.

  • An online meeting via Microsoft Teams is scheduled for November 6th at 6pm.

  • The meetings aim to provide updates on Suffolk's policing and allow residents to raise concerns.

What's next: These meetings provide a platform for residents to learn about and contribute to discussions on local policing strategies and concerns. It remains to be seen whether Suffolk police leaders will add an Ipswich meeting to the schedule.

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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