Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Monday, 2nd September 2024, at 14:15hrs
Tiny Toes Nursery hit headlines following the death of nine-month-old Genevieve Meehan in which nursery manager was later jailed after being convicted of manslaughter.
Detectives investigating the tragic death of a nine-month-old baby girl at a Stockport nursery uncovered further mistreatment of children by another member of staff employed at the nursery.
In a statement released today, Greater Manchester Police said,
“On Tuesday 14 November 2023, Rebecca Gregory was arrested at home after evidence came to light during an ongoing investigation into a nursery worker and colleague at Tiny Toes Nursery. CCTV analysis identified Rebecca Gregory committing deplorable offences of neglect against four young children.
When presented with the evidence in her interview, she admitted her actions against the children, claiming the nursery was understaffed.
She pleaded guilty to four counts of wilfully assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting, abandoning, or exposing a child in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering.
Today (Monday 2 September), Rebecca Gregory (20/12/1998) of Pearl Street, Stockport, appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. She was jailed for three years.
She was witnessed on CCTV verbally abusing and mishandling the children, pushing a child’s head down, roughly placing a child on the floor, and threatening to kick a child in the head.
On one occasion, she swaddled a child so tightly that he couldn’t move. Seeing the child was visibly distressed, she forced his head down, preventing him from moving.
On another occasion, she swaddled a child tightly, telling him to ‘f***ing go home.’
From the CCTV footage on Tuesday 26 April 2022, it was evident that Rebecca Gregory’s interactions with the children were callous and lacked proper care and compassion. She failed to adhere to the correct, safe, and expected requirements and responsibility that comes with caring for young children.
Detective Constable Natalie Pettit from our Stockport district said: “Anyone who hears the details of this investigation cannot fail to be sickened by the careless actions of Rebecca Gregory. She knew her actions fell far beyond the correct professional standards but failed to take any reasonable steps to protect these children.
“This was a harrowing investigation which uncovered several unacceptable behaviours and practices at Tiny Toes Nursery. It was clear to see that there was a culture of not challenging inappropriate behaviour which ultimately placed several children who were under their care at risk of serious harm.
“We worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to build a strong case, and following a comprehensive investigation, we are pleased that Gregory will now have to face the consequences of her actions.”
Karen Tongue, Specialist Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “Rebecca Gregory was entrusted with the care of the youngest children in the nursery where she had worked for seven years.
“The CCTV footage from the nursery’s baby room showed several instances of Gregory ill-treating four young children in her care.
“The way she spoke to them was truly appalling and I have been shocked and saddened by the wilful ill-treatment of the children.
“Parents should be able to place their children in nursery knowing they will be nurtured and cared for. Cases such as this damage the trust between parents and carers.
“Gregory must now face the consequences of her actions.”
37-year-old Kate Roughley was convicted of the manslaughter of Genevieve Meehan known as Gigi to her family back in May and was sentenced to 14 years in prison when she appeared at Manchester Crown Court the same month.
G2K INCIDENT WATCH 