By Ruth Auta, a 28-year-old Nigerian nurse working in the United Kingdom, has been sentenced to three years in prison for child neglect resulting in the death of her 10-week-old son, Joshua Akerele.
The incident occurred on December 20, 2022, when Auta, a single mother employed at the Royal Bolton Hospital, left her infant son alone in her nurse’s accommodation for eight hours while she completed her shift. Upon returning, she found Joshua unresponsive in his cot and immediately called emergency services.
Despite resuscitation efforts, Joshua was pronounced dead an hour after the ambulance arrived. Post-mortem tests suggested the infant may have overheated due to excessive layers of clothing and bedding.
Auta pleaded guilty to charges of cruelty to a child at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on May 24, 2024. Her sentencing, initially scheduled for late May, was delayed by a month.
In a twist to the case, Auta was apprehended on June 6 at Gatwick Airport while attempting to board a flight to Nigeria with a one-way ticket.
The investigation revealed discrepancies in Auta’s account of events. She initially told police she had collected Joshua from a childminder, fed him, and then fell asleep with him on her bed, claiming she found him unresponsive upon waking. However, CCTV footage showed Auta leaving and returning to her accommodation without Joshua, and text messages indicated she had instructed her childminder to falsely state she was caring for Joshua that day. The childminder later confirmed she had not seen the baby for several days.
Sara Davie, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, stated in her judgment, “Ruth Auta failed to provide the care her baby needed and chose to leave him alone. As a nurse, she should have been aware of the dangers of leaving her child unattended. Her attempts to evade justice further demonstrate her lack of remorse.”
This case has raised concerns about childcare arrangements for healthcare workers and the pressures faced by single parents in demanding professions. It also highlights the importance of thorough investigations in cases involving child welfare and the potential consequences of false statements to law enforcement.
The sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the legal and moral responsibilities parents hold, particularly those in caregiving professions. It also underscores the tragic outcomes that can result from child neglect, even when unintentional.
As the case concludes, it leaves lingering questions about support systems for working parents in healthcare and the need for accessible, affordable childcare options for essential workers.
