Baby Gigi, killed at nursery, is 'entitled to inquest' – family

A BABY killed at nursery is 'entitled' to an inquest, her family told a coroner as they pushed for an investigation into 'wider systematic issues' at the former facility in Stockport.

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Genevieve 'Gigi' Meehan died at Tiny Toes Day Nursery in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, on May 9, 2022.

Staff member Kate Roughley swaddled the nine-month-old, strapped her face down on a bean bag and left her for an hour-and-a-half, a criminal trial heard.

Following those proceedings at Manchester Crown Court, Roughley, 38, of Basil Street, Heaton Norris, Stockport, was convicted of manslaughter.

She was jailed for 14 years.

A pre-inquest review was held at Stockport Coroners' Court on Wednesday, June 4. Sophie Cartwright KC, representing Genevieve's family, said 'wider systematic issues' at the now-closed nursery needed to be investigated at a full inquest.

The barrister said there were questions over 'systems, practices and processes, including the use of beanbags as a sleeping device, staffing ratios, and the practice of swaddling.

Ms Cartwright said the issues were not fully addressed during Roughley's trial, adding: "The wider systematic issues as to the culture that operated at the nursery were made apparent by the prosecution and conviction of Rebecca Gregory.

"This is relevant as it shows the systematic issues go far wider than the unlawful conduct of Kate Roughley alone.

"Genevieve is entitled, as an individual who suffered an unlawful killing, to have all the factors recorded."

Gregory admitted the neglect of four children in April 2022, also at Tiny Toes in Cheadle Hulme, in a separate criminal case. Her 'abusive' treatment only came to light when police reviewed CCTV footage.