Jury in trial of nursery worker accused of killing baby girl sent home for the weekend after first day of deliberations
17.05.2024 - 16:11
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The jury in the trial of a nursery worker accused of the manslaughter of a baby girl has been sent home for the weekend after a first day of deliberations.
The jury of six men and six women were told to return to Manchester Crown Court to resume their deliberations on Monday morning. Judge Mrs Justice Ellenbogen told the jurors: "The evidence is now closed. You must decide the case only on the evidence and the arguments that you have seen and heard in court. You work together on this case as a team when you are in court."
The jury, added the judge, was 'under no pressure of time'.
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Deputy nursery manager Kate Roughley, 37, allegedly swaddled nine-month old Genevieve Zofia Meehan before strapping her face down with a harness on to a bean bag, the court has heard.
Prosecutors allege that whilst Genevieve struggled, Ms Roughley ignored her cries and placed a blanket on top of her that covered her almost head to foot.
Ms Roughley is accused of the manslaughter by ill-treatment of Genevieve, who she found unresponsive and blue on the afternoon of May 9 2022 at the Tiny Toes Nursery in hulme>Cheadle Hulme, Stockport. She denies offences of manslaughter and child cruelty.
The jury retired to consider its verdict at around 11.30am on Friday. Mrs Justice Ellenbogen told the jury: "It is important that you try to reach a verdict on each count which is unanimous."
She said the law allows her to accept majority verdicts in certain circumstances and added: "You may take as long as you need."
The court previously heard that on May 5, 2022, Genevieve returned to the nursery after spending several days at home with her parents whilst she recovered