Nursery Pleads Guilty to Corporate Manslaughter in Toddler's Suffocation Death
A nursery in Dudley has admitted corporate manslaughter following the tragic death of a 14-month-old toddler who suffocated while staff attempted to force him to sleep. The incident, which occurred in December 2022 at Fairytales Day Nursery on Bourne Street, has led to criminal convictions for both the nursery and its staff members.
Disturbing Circumstances of Noah Sibanda's Death
Noah Sibanda, just 14 months old, died after being restrained face down on a cushion while tightly wrapped in a sleeping bag. CCTV footage from the nursery revealed that a blanket had been placed over his head, and nursery worker Kimberley Cookson, 23, positioned a leg over him to keep him restrained. This dangerous practice was apparently intended to "make him sleep when he did not want to."
The footage showed Cookson holding Noah in this position for an extended period, severely restricting his ability to breathe and move. When staff eventually noticed he was not breathing, emergency services were called, but Noah was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Legal Proceedings and Guilty Pleas
At Wolverhampton Crown Court on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Fairytales Day Nursery Limited pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter and an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act. The private nursery, which has since ceased operations, acknowledged systemic failures that led to Noah's death.
Deborah Latewood, 55, the nursery's owner and director, pleaded guilty to a Health and Safety at Work Act offence. She admitted that while she was unaware children were being put to sleep in such dangerous ways, she should have known and prevented these practices.
Kimberley Cookson had previously pleaded guilty to gross negligence manslaughter for her direct role in Noah's death. Both Latewood and the nursery were scheduled for trial in April, but new pleas were entered, avoiding the need for a full trial.
Prosecution's Statement on the Case
Alex Johnson, senior specialist prosecutor within the Crown Prosecution Service's Special Crime Division, described the case as "deeply distressing" and representing "every parent's worst nightmare whenever they leave their young child at a nursery."
Mr. Johnson emphasized that Noah "should have been safe in the care of professionals entrusted with his wellbeing." He stated, "He lost his life as a result of reckless and dangerous sleeping practices which posed an obvious and serious risk of harm."
The evidence, including CCTV footage and expert medical findings, demonstrated that Noah was placed in a suffocating environment from which he could not escape. Mr. Johnson added, "Fairytales Day Nursery Limited has now accepted criminal responsibility for the systemic failures that led to this tragedy, and Deborah Latewood has also acknowledged that the failings occurred under her management and oversight."
Broader Implications for Childcare Safety
This case highlights critical safety failures in childcare settings and underscores the fundamental duty of nursery providers to protect children in their care. Mr. Johnson noted, "This case underscores the devastating consequences of what happens when that duty is breached. Our thoughts remain with Noah's family, who have endured an unimaginable loss."
The defendants are scheduled for sentencing on April 16, where the court will determine appropriate penalties for their roles in this preventable tragedy. The outcome is expected to have significant implications for childcare regulations and safety standards nationwide.
