A YOUNG couple separated by the death of their two-month-old daughter sat side-by-side in the dock at Worcester Crown Court as lawyers argued about their fate.

Tyler Vallance; who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of baby Isabella, arrived from prison remand to find out his sentence.

The 21-year-old, of Engadine Road, The Oakalls, Bromsgrove,  had initially been accused of murder.

His ex-partner, 20-year-old Jessica Wiggins, formerly of Heathfield Road, Redditch, sat an arms length away from him with a  prison officer in between.

She had been found guilty after trial of failing to ensure the safety of the child

Prosecutor Christopher Hotten outlined the trials and tribulations of the pair after they set up home in Redditch. 

At one stage, they stayed with relations in Blackpool but there was little support for Jessica when she found herself pregnant.

She realised that Tyler, who had a mental condition was subject to violent moods when he did not take his medication.

Neighbours told the court of their loud arguments and matters came to a head in 2012 following a 999 call because Isabella had gone lifeless and did not appear to be breathing.

The baby recovered in hospital but eventually her condition worsened and she died after being transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital.

A post mortem showed the child had a brain injury, eight broken ribs and two broken legs. Experts concluded that the injuries could be the result of violent shaking, said Mr Hotten.

Vallance denied causing the injuries but eventually admitted on the day of his trial that he was guilty of wounding.

His barrister, Abigail Nixon, said he should be given credit for an early guilty plea despite his denials under police interview.

She submitted that any injury had been caused through a momentary lack of self-control.

He must live with the tragic consequences of a momentary act for the rest of life.

She admitted that he had been writing to a young girl while he was in prison and had been trying to shift blame onto Jessica.

Rachel Brand QC, for Jessica Wiggins, said there had  been no obvious facial injuries on the child or marks to show she had been roughly gripped.

It was a case where she ought to have seen reason because her partner had been violent with her. She thought he was a loving father although Isabella always seemed wary of him.

Miss Brand said Jessica had been unfairly subjected to public talk for two years that she was responsible for the death of her baby.

Sentencing is expected to take place later today. Keep checking the Advertiser website for updates.