During her testimony in court, Kate Roughley, a nursery worker accused of manslaughter and child cruelty, insisted she treated nine-month-old Genevieve Meehan the same as any other child in her care.
Genevieve was found unresponsive on May 9, 2022, at Tiny Toes Nursery in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, where Roughley was employed.
Prosecutors claim the baby was left immobile on a beanbag for an extended period, with her cries ignored.
Roughley, denying the charges, stated she placed Genevieve on her side on the beanbag, feeling no cause for concern until she discovered the infant wasn’t breathing.
Under questioning, Roughley asserted she did not commit any unlawful act contributing to Genevieve’s death and denied harboring any ill will or dislike toward the child.
She explained her decision to place Genevieve on the beanbag, noting the baby had slept well there previously.
CCTV footage from that day was shown in court, capturing Genevieve’s movements on the beanbag. Roughley explained these movements as typical behavior before sleep.
Roughley described noticing discoloration around Genevieve’s lips and realizing she wasn’t breathing. She panicked, attempting to help Genevieve before seeking assistance.
When questioned about her delayed response, Roughley attributed it to shock and the urgency of seeking help.
The trial is ongoing.
