Parents of Genevieve Meehan seek full inquest after her tragic death at a Stockport nursery due to manslaughter.
Kate Roughley was jailed for manslaughter in May 2024. She caused Genevieve Meehan’s death. Roughley strapped the baby face down on a bean bag.
The parents want answers about Genevieve’s death. They want to know why national guidelines were not followed. The family also questions bean bag use. The parents want to know about nursery procedures. They wonder what else could have saved their daughter.
Roughley worked at Tiny Toes Nursery. It is in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport. She was the deputy manager and baby room leader.
Roughley showed hostility towards the baby before that day. CCTV caught her being unkind. She told Genevieve to stop crying.
On May 9, 2022, Genevieve’s parents dropped her off. Her mom told her that she loved her. Later, Roughley swaddled Genevieve. She put her face down in a cot with a blanket. She restricted Genevieve’s visibility at the cot.
Roughley then tightly swaddled Genevieve on a bean bag. She strapped her down around 1:35 pm. Genevieve could not move from 1:35 pm to 3:12 pm. Roughley ignored her cries for that long. Genevieve was found blue and unconscious.
Staff and paramedics tried to revive her. But it was too late, she died at the hospital. Her death was from asphyxia and stress.
A jury found Roughley guilty of manslaughter. The parents attended the hearing but did not speak.
Stockport Council studies the nursery’s health and safety. The investigation could result in related charges. These charges will not involve homicide.
The probe looks at risks over time in two rooms. It will analyze if staff performed their duties well.
The coroner wants submissions by February 27. She will decide by March 14 about an inquest. It could be delayed again at this point. Another review will happen if the inquest resumes. Ofsted and the former manager had representation.