A nursery worker has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the tragic death of a 14-month-old boy, Noah Sibanda.
On Tuesday, June 10, 22-year-old Kimberly Cookson appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court and admitted to one count of gross negligence manslaughter.
The incident that led to Noah’s demise occurred on December 9, 2022, at Dudley’s Fairytales Day Nursery in the West Midlands.
Nursery owner Deborah Latewood, 54, also appeared in court alongside Cookson and denied failing to comply with a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act. This duty required them to ensure that Noah and others were not exposed to risks between November 29 and December 9, 2022.
In addition to the negligence charge, the firm that ran the now-closed nursery, located on Bourne Street, has also been charged with one count of corporate manslaughter.
The allegations against the nursery include failing to ensure that children in the baby room were placed to sleep safely, inadequate training for staff in baby sleep techniques, and insufficient supervision during sleep routines.
The nursery company has also denied failing to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act, specifically regarding Noah’s and others’ exposure to risks between November 29 and December 9, 2022.
During the court proceedings, Cookson and Latewood only exchanged brief statements confirming their dates of birth and entering their pleas in front of the packed courtroom. The courtroom was filled with members of Noah’s family and supporters of the defendants.
Judge Michael Chambers KC announced that Latewood and the nursery company would face a trial, which is expected to commence in 2026. However, a specific date for the trial has not been set.
Cookson will be sentenced upon the conclusion of the trial, which is anticipated to last approximately three weeks. Both Cookson and Latewood have been released on unconditional bail until the next hearing.
Judge Chambers expressed gratitude to Cookson for taking the courage to plead guilty, acknowledging that it would earn them the appropriate credit for their decision.
He adjourned the sentencing until the trial’s conclusion, ensuring that the judge has all the necessary facts of the case before making a final decision.
He warned both defendants that their absence from the trial could lead to further criminal proceedings.
A pre-trial review hearing has been scheduled for December 5th.
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