Ruth Auta, a 28-year-old Nigerian nurse, has been sentenced to three years in prison by the Bolton Crown Court in the UK for causing the death of her ten-week-old son, Joshua Akerele. The tragic incident occurred on December 20, 2022, when Auta left her baby unattended for eight hours in her nurse’s accommodation while she worked a shift at Royal Bolton Hospital.
Upon returning to her room, Auta found her baby lifeless in his cot. She immediately dialled emergency services, informing operators that her son was not breathing. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, Joshua was pronounced dead an hour later. Investigations revealed that the baby may have “overheated” due to excessive clothing and bedding.
Initially, Auta claimed that she had returned from work, picked up Joshua from a childminder, and fed him before putting him to sleep beside her. However, her story unravelled when CCTV footage showed her entering and leaving her accommodation without the baby on the day of the incident.
Nigerian Nurse Sentenced to Three Years for Death of Her Baby in the UK
Further incriminating evidence came from text messages in which Auta instructed the childminder to claim that Joshua had been with her falsely.
The childminder later revealed that she had not seen the baby for several days, contradicting Auta’s initial claim. Auta was subsequently charged with child cruelty after the police investigation confirmed her negligence.
Despite pleading guilty at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on May 24, 2024, Auta desperately attempted to flee the country. On June 6, she purchased a one-way ticket to Nigeria but was arrested at Gatwick Airport before boarding her flight.
During her sentencing at Bolton Crown Court, District Crown Prosecutor Sara Davie criticized Auta’s lack of remorse, stating, “Whilst she went to work to provide care for other people, Ruth Auta left the very person who needed her care the most home alone.” Davie also noted Auta’s attempt to mislead the police and escape justice.
Auta’s sentence highlights the severe consequences of neglect and the devastating impact it has had on those affected by Joshua’s death. The court’s decision is a stark reminder of the responsibilities of parents and caregivers, particularly those in the healthcare profession.
Further updates on this case reveal that Auta has continued to express minimal remorse for her actions, maintaining her silence during the investigation. Authorities have also emphasized the need for stricter childcare arrangements among professionals working in high-demand environments, such as healthcare, to avoid such tragic incidents in the future.
The tragic death of Joshua Akerele has left a deep emotional scar, not only on those directly involved but also on the broader community.
