A UK court has sentenced a Nigerian nurse, Ruth Auta, to three years in prison for the neglect that led to the death of her ten-week-old baby, Joshua Akerele. The 28-year-old single mother left her infant son unattended in her nurse’s accommodation for eight hours while she completed a shift on December 20, 2022.
Upon returning home, Auta found Joshua lifeless in his cot and immediately called emergency services, reporting that he was not breathing. Despite resuscitation efforts, the baby died an hour after paramedics arrived. Tests later revealed the baby may have overheated due to being excessively bundled in layers of clothing and bedding.
Auta, who was employed at Royal Bolton Hospital, faced charges of cruelty to a child. She pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on May 24, 2024. The sentencing was initially delayed for a month. Auta was subsequently apprehended on June 6 at Gatwick Airport with a one-way ticket to Nigeria while attempting to flee the country.
During police investigations, Auta initially claimed she had picked up Joshua from a childminder, fed him, and then fell asleep with him in her bed, only to find him unresponsive upon waking. However, CCTV footage contradicted her statement, showing Auta leaving and returning to her accommodation without the baby. Additionally, text messages surfaced where she had instructed the childminder to falsely state she was caring for Joshua on that day. The childminder later confirmed she had not seen the baby for several days.
Sara Davie, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, condemned Auta’s actions during the sentencing. “Ruth Auta failed to provide the care her baby needed and chose to leave him alone,” Davie stated. “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.”
The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the serious consequences of child neglect and the responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
