A nursery worker has been found guilty of manslaughter after strapping a nine-month-old baby face down to a beanbag and leaving her unattended for 90 minutes.
Kate Roughley, 37, was convicted of putting Genevieve Meehan in grave danger as a form of punishment, according to the trial proceedings.
Tragically, the child died from asphyxiation at Tiny Toes nursery in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, on May 9, 2022.
Genevieve’s family expressed their profound grief, describing the loss as irreparable and emphasizing her vibrant personality and the joy she brought to their lives.
During the trial, a pathologist highlighted the hazardous sleeping conditions Genevieve was subjected to at the nursery, which ultimately led to her demise.
Roughley defended her actions, stating that the beanbag was commonly used when cots were occupied, and the straps were merely a safety precaution.
Prosecutors argued that Roughley’s deliberate conduct directly caused Genevieve’s death, alleging that the child was punished for not sleeping adequately.
The jury unanimously found Roughley guilty of unlawful act manslaughter, with emotional scenes in the courtroom as CCTV footage revealed the distressing moments leading up to Genevieve’s death.
Prosecutor Peter Wright described the infant’s struggle for survival, noting that her cries and movements were repeatedly ignored by Roughley.
Further CCTV footage depicted Roughley’s hostile behavior towards Genevieve in the days preceding the tragedy, with instances of rough handling and derogatory remarks.
Roughley maintained her innocence, claiming she treated Genevieve like any other child and insisting that the death was an unavoidable accident.
However, concerns were raised about staffing ratios at the nursery during Roughley’s tenure, suggesting a potential lack of adequate supervision.
The closure of Tiny Toes following Genevieve’s death underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for stringent safety measures in childcare facilities.
Genevieve’s family expressed their longing for what could have been, lamenting the void left by her absence and the milestones they will never share.
Following the verdict, Karen Tonge from the Crown Prosecution Service North West condemned Roughley’s disregard for Genevieve’s wellbeing, emphasizing the betrayal of trust placed in her as a caregiver.
