A private nursery has admitted corporate manslaughter after 14-month-old Noah Sibanda suffocated while staff tried to force him to sleep. The heartbreaking case has shocked the community and raised serious questions about childcare safety.
How Noah Died
Noah died on 9 December 2022 at Fairytales Day Nursery. CCTV footage revealed he was physically restrained face down on a cushion, with a blanket covering his face and a leg placed over him. Staff tried to make him sleep despite his distress.
Kimberley Cookson, 23, the nursery practitioner, pleaded guilty to gross negligence manslaughter for her role in Noah’s death. She tightly wrapped Noah in a sleeping bag, placed a blanket over his head, and lay him face down. She restrained him with her leg to keep him in place.
After some time, the staff realised Noah wasn’t breathing. Emergency services were called, but Noah was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Nursery and Owner Face Charges
Fairytales Day Nursery Limited admitted one count of corporate manslaughter and a Health and Safety offence at Wolverhampton Crown Court. Director and owner Debbie Latewood, 55, also admitted a Health and Safety breach, claiming she was unaware of the dangerous sleep practices but should have been.
Prosecutor’s Statement
“This case has been deeply distressing and represents every parent’s worst nightmare,” said Alex Johnson, Senior Specialist Prosecutor. “Noah Sibanda should have been safe in professional care. Instead, reckless sleeping practices created a deadly, suffocating environment.”
“The CCTV and expert evidence showed Noah was placed to sleep in a way that severely restricted his breathing and movement. The nursery and its management have accepted responsibility for this tragedy.”
“Nursery providers must protect children in their care. Failure to do so can have devastating consequences. Our thoughts remain with Noah’s family.”
The defendants will be sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 16 April.
