What happened to Noah Sibanda at Fairytales Day Nursery?

Noah Sibanda died after being physically restrained face-down with a blanket over his head while being put to sleep at the nursery and was left unchecked for two hours.

What was the penalty for Fairytales Day Nursery?

Fairytales Day Nursery was fined £240,000 for corporate manslaughter and failure to comply with health and safety regulations.

Home / Crime and Justice / Nursery Worker Jailed for Restraint Death of Baby Noah

Nursery Worker Jailed for Restraint Death of Baby Noah

Q: What sentence did the nursery worker receive?

The nursery worker, Kimberley Cookson, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison for admitting gross negligence manslaughter.

17 Apr

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Summary

A nursery worker received over three years for gross negligence manslaughter.
The nursery was fined £240,000 for corporate manslaughter and safety failures.
Noah Sibanda died after being restrained face-down with a blanket over his head.

Nursery Worker Jailed for Restraint Death of Baby Noah

A nursery worker, Kimberley Cookson, has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison for the gross negligence manslaughter of 14-month-old Noah Sibanda. The tragic incident occurred in December 2022 at Fairytales Day Nursery in Dudley, where Noah was found unresponsive after being restrained face-down with a blanket over his head. He was left unchecked for two hours.

During sentencing at Wolverhampton crown court, Justice Choudhury described the CCTV footage as "shocking" and noted the "distressing" level of disregard for Noah's welfare. The judge highlighted that dangerous practices went unchecked and that it was "blind luck" no other child had died previously.