Nursery worker, 37, accused of killing a nine-month-old baby after 'strapping ... trends now
A nursery worker accused of killing a nine-month-old baby and strapping her face down on a bean bag prior to her death has told a jury she has 'always wanted to work with children'.
Kate Roughley is on trial at Manchester Crown Court accused of the manslaughter of nine-month-old Genevieve Meehan, who died following an incident at Tiny Toes Nursery in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport.
The 37-year-old, of Heaton Norris, Stockport, who was a deputy manager at the nursery, is alleged to have swaddled the baby in a blanket and put her to sleep on her front on bean bag on May 9 2022, Manchester Crown Court previously heard.
She then fastened a strap across Genevieve's back before she placed another cover over her, prosecutors allege.
Staff and paramedics performed chest compressions on the infant, but were unable to revive her. Genevieve was pronounced dead at Stepping Hill Hospital later the same afternoon.
Deputy manager Kate Roughley (pictured) is on trial at Manchester Crown Court accused of causing baby Genevieve's death through her ill-treatment
Nurse Kate Roughley is seen leaving Manchester Crown Court after Genevieve's death
Giving evidence, Ms Roughley - who denies manslaughter - told jurors the staff to child ratio at the nursery had 'gotten worse' over the years and that she had been told to not place a child on their front up until the age of six-months-old.
She told jurors: 'Ever since school I always wanted to work with children, since Year 10 or 11.'
After completing her NVQ Level 3 in childcare while working at Tiny Toes, Ms Roughley did a three-month stint with an agency going to different nurseries, before going back to the nursery in Cheadle Hulme full time, she said.
She was later promoted to 'head of the toddler group', which meant her additional duty included
