A 22-year-old nursery worker has pleaded guilty to manslaughter following the tragic death of a toddler in her care.
Kimberley Cookson appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Tuesday, June 10, where she admitted one count of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the death of 14-month-old Noah Sibanda.
Noah died after an incident at Fairytales Day Nursery in Dudley, West Midlands, on December 9, 2022.
Alongside Cookson in the dock was nursery owner Deborah Latewood, 54, who denied a charge of failing to comply with health and safety duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Prosecutors allege that between November 29 and December 9, 2022, Latewood failed to ensure Noah and other children were not exposed to risk.
A not guilty plea was also entered on behalf of the company that operated the now-closed nursery on Bourne Street. The firm faces one count of corporate manslaughter, which alleges systemic failures, including:
- Failing to ensure babies in the nursery’s baby room were safely put down to sleep
- Inadequate staff training in infant sleep safety
- Lack of supervision of staff carrying out sleep routines
The company also denies breaching health and safety laws over the same time period.
During the hearing, both Cookson and Latewood spoke only to confirm their identities and enter their pleas. The courtroom was filled with members of Noah’s grieving family as well as supporters of the defendants.
Presiding Judge Michael Chambers KC told the court that Latewood and the company will face trial—likely in 2026—although no specific date has been set. The trial is expected to last approximately three weeks.
Cookson, who has now formally admitted her role in the child’s death, will be sentenced only after the trial concludes to ensure the sentencing judge has the full context of the case. She remains on unconditional bail until then.
“In your case, Kimberley Cookson, you have had the courage to plead guilty and will receive appropriate credit for that plea,” Judge Chambers said. “I am adjourning your sentencing until the conclusion of the trial so the judge will have all the facts of the case.”
He also warned that failure to appear for the trial could lead to further criminal proceedings. A pre-trial review has been scheduled for December 5.
