A REVIEW has been launched following the tragic death of a 12-week-old baby, who died at the hands of her father.

The serious case review, carried out by Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Board, will investigate a number of agencies including Worcestershire County Council and the health service.

It was announced after the conviction of 12-week-old Isabella Vallance’s parents for allowing her death.

On November 19, at Worcester Crown Court, Jessica Wiggins, of Heathfield Road in Redditch, screamed and lay on the floor as she was convicted by a jury of seven men and four women of failing to prevent Isabella's death.

Wiggins, 20, formerly of the Oakalls, Bromsgrove, was convicted under section five of the Domestic Violence, Crimes and Victims Act 2004 by the jury, which arrived at a unanimous verdict.

Wiggins’ partner, 21-year-old Tyler Vallance, of Engadine Road in Bromsgrove, had previously pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Isabella, who died from her injuries in Birmingham Children’s Hospital in December 2012.

The court was told that when the pair lived together at addresses in Redditch they were heard arguing in the days before the baby’s death. It was alleged that Wiggins knew that Vallance was a violent and short-tempered man who always acted nervously when he was left in charge of the baby.

A post mortem revealed that the 12-week-old had head injuries and fractures to her ribs and legs. The court heard that these injuries had been suffered at the hands of her father, who had assaulted her on more than one occasion.

Wiggins and Vallance separated after the death but got together again when Wiggins became pregnant. They had a second daughter born in December last year and who has been taken into care.

Sentencing of both was adjourned until December 18, for the preparation of reports.

Detective Chief Inspector Jon Marsden said: “As parents they were in a position of trust and care but sadly they did not live up to their responsibilities.

“Our priority was to carry out a full and thorough investigation into this baby’s death, which we have done, and while the overriding feeling is one of sadness, we are satisfied that at least justice has now been done for Isabella.”

Speaking about the review a Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Board spokesman said: “The board has initiated a serious case review to consider whether there are any lessons to be learned from the circumstances of Isabella’s death.

“This review is not yet concluded and therefore no further details can be provided at this stage.

“The Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Board will be rigorous in its work with partner agencies to ensure that any learning from this case is taken forward to improve services to children and young people in Worcestershire.”

A spokesman from Worcestershire County Council added: “An independent serious case review will be completed.

"The council, along with other partner agencies, will contribute to the findings and support any actions required.”