A nursery worker has been jailed for 14 years after a jury found her guilty of the manslaughter of a nine-month-old baby in her care.

Kate Roughley, 37, denied being responsible for the death of Genevieve Meehan, who died after being left face down, tightly swaddled and strapped to a bean bag for more than 90 minutes at Tiny Toes nursery in Cheadle Hume, Stockport. She was found guilty of manslaughter on 20 May and sentenced to 14 years in prison on 22 May.

Police and paramedics were called to Tiny Toes Day Nursery on 9 May 2022 following reports of an unresponsive baby.

When they arrived Genevieve was not breathing. Despite the best efforts of the police and paramedics at the scene, and later the medical staff at Stepping Hill Hospital, Genevieve could not be revived.

CCTV footage showed adequate checks were not made and that Roughley had failed to make safe sleep arrangements for Genevieve. In preparation for her afternoon nap on Monday 9 May, Roughley swaddled Genevieve so tightly inside a blanket that she couldn’t move. She then placed her face down onto a bean bag, unable to move freely or breathe.

Audio catches Genevieve crying on several occasions, but despite this, Roughley is seen pulling one of the blankets over Genevieve’s head before walking away. Over a sixty-minute period, Roughley is captured ignoring Genevieve despite her being visibly distressed.  

Following a Home Office Post Mortem on 12 May 2022, the cause of death was determined as a combination of asphyxia and pathophysiological stress which arose by an unsafe sleep environment.

Karen Tonge, Specialist Prosecutor for CPS North West’s Complex Casework Unit, said: “Kate Roughley’s callous and spiteful actions towards Genevieve Meehan, a vulnerable baby, who she was entrusted to care for, were unconscionable.

“Roughley put Genevieve’s parents through further anguish by not taking responsibility for what she had done and taking the case to trial.

“The Crown Prosecution Service worked closely with Greater Manchester Police to build the strongest possible case to secure justice for Genevieve.

“Everyone involved in the case has been deeply moved by the tragic circumstances of Genevieve’s death.

“Nothing can ever make up for what Genevieve’s parents and loved ones have lost but I hope they can take some comfort in knowing Roughley will face the consequences of her actions. My thoughts remain with them.”