A Bolton Crown Court, in the United Kingdom, handed a 28-year-old Nigerian nurse, Ruth Auta, three-year prison sentence following the tragic death of her ten-week-old son, Joshua Akerele.
The incident, which occurred on December 20, 2022, unfolded when Auta, a single mother, left her infant alone in their accommodation while she went to work at Royal Bolton Hospital.
During her eight-hour shift, Auta left Joshua unattended. Upon her return, she discovered her baby unresponsive in his cot and immediately contacted emergency services.
Despite their best efforts, Joshua was pronounced dead at the scene. Initial findings suggested that the baby might have overheated due to being wrapped in excessive layers of clothing and bedding.
Auta’s initial statement claimed that she had collected Joshua from a childminder after her shift, fed him, and found him unresponsive the next morning.
However, a subsequent police investigation revealed CCTV footage showing Auta leaving and returning to her residence without her child.
Further scrutiny uncovered damning text messages where Auta allegedly instructed the childminder to lie about having cared for Joshua.
Admitting guilt to charges of child cruelty, Auta attempted to flee to Nigeria after the allegations were brought against her but was apprehended at Gatwick Airport.
At Bolton Crown Court, she was sentenced to three years in prison.
