Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday, 22nd May 2024, at 15:30hrs
Deputy Manager Nursery Nurse Kate Roughley strapped a defenceless baby face down to a bean bag after wrapping her in a blanket tightly. Today, she has been jailed after being found guilty of Manslughter this week.
Appearing at Manchester Crown Court, Roughley, 37, from Stockport was jailed by Judge, Mrs Justice Ellenbogen.
Nine month old Genevieve Meehan, nicknamed Gigi, by her parents attended the Tiny Toes Nursery in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, the court heard how in May 2022 Roughley could be heard on CCTV, during a feed, saying ‘I give up’ and calling baby Gigi a ‘stress head’and to stop ‘whinging’ as she became frustrated with Gigi’s crying and the fact that she wasn’t doing what Roughley wanted her to do.
Throughout the trial, horrific CCTV footage was shown to the jury as to how Roughleys uncaring behaviour towards children who should of been safe and treated humanely whilst in her care was one of alarming and distressing to endure.
Roughley could also be heard and seen throwing toys one of which struck baby Gigi in the face, Gigi was also placed face down in a cot with Roughley using a blanket to cover the cot and went on to muttering the words ‘Vile’ as she was placed down on a play mat. The horrific, uncaring, and inhumane behaviour shown by Roughley all stemmed from Gigi’s crying.
Ms. Meehan, Gigi’s mother, described Roughley as a liar and found her evidence presented in court without compassion grossly insulting. Mr Meehan the childs father also added that Roughley is a cold, callous, and cruel child killer.
Mrs Justice Ellenbogen sentencing Roughley, 37, of Basil Street, Heaton Norris, Stockport, who has no previous convictions, said, “she has considered the issue of dangerousness under sentencing provisions, adding,”I am of the opinion you do not pose a serious risk of significant harm to members of the public and the Crown does not seek to persuade me to the contrary.” She handed Roughley, 14 years in prison adding, ” there was little mitigation, you have steadfastly refused to acknowledge any action of yours that caused Gigi’s death.”
She said her comments about having Genevieve in her thoughts showed ‘no genuine remorse’.
In a tribute released by Gigi’s family on Monday, her parents said, “It has been just over two years since our beautiful and wonderful daughter’s life was taken from her. Genevieve’s loss has destroyed our family. We grieve for her every day. We long desperately to see her smile, hear her laugh, and feel her warm embrace. Her absence is a physical and emotional wound that will never heal.
“Genevieve wasn’t just a baby. She was a person. She loved to laugh, play with her tambourine, eat Spaghetti Bolognese, and be with her big sister. She was kind, affectionate, independent, and mischievous. She was fascinated with the world and everything in it. She embraced every day. She loved life, and we loved her instantly.
“We were amazed every day watching her grow and develop. She was such a strong person, bright and talented. To be in her presence was such joy.
“We will never accept the cruelty of her life being taken away. That we will not get to hear her speak her first words or watch her grow up is impossible to comprehend. Genevieve could have done anything she wanted to. She had her whole life to live and was loved so dearly by her family.
“We grieve for what we do not have. Words can not adequately convey how much we miss Genevieve. We are so desperate for her to be in our arms as she should be and watching her put on her school uniform in September when she would have started pre-school. Instead, we are here in a place we could never have imagined when we took her to nursery that day on 9 May where she was meant to be safe and cared for. The pain of her loss is beyond any measure.
“We grieve for everything Genevieve has lost. Her life, which was so full of wonder and promise, was taken from her.
“We thank the police for their dedication to getting justice for Genevieve, for their professionalism and their compassion. We would not be here without their commitment or the work of the CPS and the legal team who have fought for Genevieve and our family.
“Our beautiful daughter deserves to be remembered for the wonderful person she is, not the nature of her death. She deserves to have a legacy so that her life can inspire others. As a family, we will work tirelessly to ensure she has the legacy she deserves.”
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Charlotte Whalley, the Senior Investigating Officer for this case, said: “This has been a truly harrowing and disturbing investigation. Due to Kate Roughley’s lack of remorse and refusal to take accountability for her actions, Genevieve’s family have been forced to relive the worst day of their life repeatedly, having their most painful memories made public.
“On Thursday 9 May, whilst the family should have been able to commemorate the two-year anniversary of Genevieve’s death, they instead had to endure a day at court listening to the defendant’s version of events.
“Their pain is unfathomable, and throughout this nightmare they have kept their dignity, putting their trust in us to get justice for their little girl, but I know that no outcome will ever be enough to replace the loss and grief that they feel.
“The impact of Roughley’s abhorrent crime is immense and far reaching. Genevieve’s life was robbed, and others must now live with the painful consequences of Roughley’s actions.”
Karen Tonge, Specialist Prosecutor for CPS North West’s Complex Casework Unit, said: “Kate Roughley’s callous and spiteful actions towards Genevieve Meehan, a vulnerable baby, who she was entrusted to care for, were unconscionable.
“Roughley put Genevieve’s parents through further anguish by not taking responsibility for what she had done and taking the case to trial.
“The Crown Prosecution Service worked closely with Greater Manchester Police to build the strongest possible case to secure justice for Genevieve.
“Everyone involved in the case has been deeply moved by the tragic circumstances of Genevieve’s death.
“Nothing can ever make up for what Genevieve’s parents and loved ones have lost, but I hope they can take some comfort in knowing Roughley will face the consequences of her actions. My thoughts remain with them.”
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