A 22-year-old woman has been charged with manslaughter following the tragic death of a 14-month-old boy at a nursery in Dudley, West Midlands.
Kimberley Cookson, a former nursery practitioner, faces a charge of gross negligence manslaughter after Noah Sibanda died following an incident at Fairytales Day Nursery on 9 December 2022.
Noah was rushed to hospital after the incident but sadly could not be saved.
Business Owner and Nursery Company Also Charged
In addition to Cookson, Deborah Latewood, 54, the director and business owner of Fairytales Day Nursery, has been charged with failing to comply with general duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Fairytales Nursery Limited itself has also been charged with corporate manslaughter and failing to comply with health and safety duties. The nursery has since closed down.
All three defendants are due to appear at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on 13 May.
Heartbroken Mother Pays Tribute
Noah’s mother, Masi Sibanda, previously paid an emotional tribute to her “handsome, beautiful, cute boy,” describing him as calm, relaxed, and always smiling.
“I know parents are biased, but he was so beautiful,” Masi said.
“He was very easy-going and made it easy as a first-time parent. We would find him just chilling with his arm behind his head.”
Noah’s tragic death sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting a thorough investigation by West Midlands Police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
CPS Statement
Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the CPS’s Special Division, confirmed charges had been authorised:
“Following a review of the evidence provided by West Midlands Police, we have authorised criminal charges in relation to the death of a 14-month-old child at a nursery in Dudley.
Our thoughts remain with the family of Noah Sibanda at this time.”
He also reminded the public and media that criminal proceedings are now active, and any reporting or online commentary must avoid prejudicing the upcoming trial.
Legal Proceedings
- Kimberley Cookson, 22 – Charged with gross negligence manslaughter
- Deborah Latewood, 54 – Charged with failing to comply with general duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act
- Fairytales Nursery Limited – Charged with corporate manslaughter and health and safety failings
The case is expected to draw national attention when it begins next month.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow as court proceedings begin.
