Dudley, UK — April 17, 2026
A nursery worker has been jailed for three years and four months after a toddler died while being restrained during nap time at a daycare facility in Dudley.
Kimberley Cookson, a staff member at Fairytales Day Nursery, was convicted of gross negligence manslaughter following the death of 18-month-old Noah Sibanda. The sentencing took place at Wolverhampton Crown Court, where the nursery's owner, Deborah Latewood, also received a six-month suspended sentence for health and safety violations. The nursery itself was fined £240,000 for corporate manslaughter and failing to meet safety standards.
Sentencing and Legal Consequences
Cookson's sentence reflects the severity of her negligence, which directly contributed to Noah's death. The court heard that the toddler was improperly restrained during a nap, leading to fatal consequences. Prosecutors emphasized the breach of duty of care, describing it as a "gross failure" in safeguarding the child's welfare.
Deborah Latewood, as the owner of Fairytales Day Nursery, faced lesser charges but was still held accountable for systemic failures. Her six-month sentence was suspended for two years, meaning she will avoid jail unless she commits another offense within that period. The £240,000 fine imposed on the nursery underscores the legal repercussions for institutions that fail to protect children in their care.