A nursery worker has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for the manslaughter of nine-month-old Genevieve Meehan. The tragic incident occurred when Kate Roughley, 37, strapped the infant face down to a bean bag for more than 90 minutes, leading to the baby’s death.

Roughley, who had 17 years of experience in childcare, showed no emotion as the verdict was read and she left the dock. During the month-long trial, the court heard that Roughley displayed a lack of sympathy towards children, often referring to Genevieve as “vile,” a “whinger,” and a “diva.” CCTV footage revealed Roughley ignored Genevieve’s cries and desperate movements as she struggled to breathe.

Details of the Incident

Genevieve, affectionately known as “Gigi,” was the daughter of barrister John Meehan and solicitor Katie Wheeler. On the day of the incident, she was dropped off at Tiny Toes Nursery in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport. Roughley tightly swaddled Genevieve, strapped her to a bean bag, and covered her with a blanket. The baby was found unresponsive over 90 minutes later and was later pronounced dead in the hospital.

Court Proceedings

During the trial at Manchester Crown Court, the prosecution described the sleeping environment as “very unsafe,” leading to Genevieve’s asphyxiation. Roughley attempted to cover up her actions by claiming she regularly checked on the babies, but CCTV footage contradicted her statements.

Mrs. Justice Ellenbogen, who sentenced Roughley, stated: “By your callous act, you have deprived Genevieve of the future she should have had.” The judge noted that a life sentence was not appropriate, deeming Roughley did not pose a further risk to the public.

Impact on the Family

Genevieve’s parents delivered emotional statements in court. Mrs. Meehan described the profound grief and guilt she feels, stating, “I lost who I’d been; I became the person I am now, dead inside, incapable of living.” Mr. Meehan added, “For you, there will be no redemption and no legacy. You will never be anything but a child killer.”

Genevieve’s six-year-old sister also expressed her pain, saying, “Every day, I get punched with sadness. What this lady has done is terrible and something nobody should experience.”

Aftermath and Statements

Outside the court, Genevieve’s parents stated, “We will never forgive the callousness of Kate Roughley’s actions. She was entrusted with the care of our daughter but instead treated her with contempt.” They described Genevieve as a joyful child who “loved life, to play the tambourine, spend time with her big sister,” and had a bright future ahead.

Detective Inspector Charlotte Whalley of Greater Manchester Police called Roughley’s crime “abhorrent” and praised the family’s dignity throughout the trial. Karen Tonge, Specialist Prosecutor for CPS North West’s Complex Casework Unit, emphasized the severity of Roughley’s actions and the profound loss suffered by Genevieve’s family.

The sentencing brings some measure of justice to Genevieve’s grieving family, though their loss remains immeasurable.