A Nigerian nurse, Ruth Auta, who resides in the United Kingdom, was sentenced to three years in prison for leaving her 10-week-old infant unattended, resulting in the infant’s unfortunate demise.
On December 20, 2022, Ruth, a 28-year-old nurse, left Joshua Akerele unattended for eight hours in her nurse’s accommodation while she worked her shift at Royal Bolton Hospital.
Upon her return to her designated living quarters, she discovered Joshua in a state of lifelessness within his designated sleeping area. Consequently, she proceeded to contact the emergency services by dialling 999 and subsequently informed the operators that her son was not exhibiting any signs of respiration.
The single mother initially informed the police that she had picked up Joshua from a babysitter after completing her work. She then took him back to their residence, provided him with food, placed him on her bed, and subsequently fell asleep beside him.
She claimed that when she woke up, she found him unresponsive.
However, Auta was later charged after police found CCTV of her leaving and entering her accommodation without Joshua on the day of the incident
Also, officers discovered incriminating texts. She had urged her childminder to say she was looking after Joshua that day.
But the childminder told officers she had not seen the infant for a number of days.
Auta was charged with cruelty to a child and pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates’ court on May 24, 2024. Her case was then adjourned by a month for sentence.
Attempt to flee
By June 6, the Nigerian nurse tried to flee the country. She was detained at Gatwick while attempting to board the flight home to Nigeria. She had purchased a one-way ticket.
Auta was sentenced to three years in jail when she appeared at Bolton Crown Court yesterday.
Sara Davie, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “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.”
“Auta has failed to show remorse throughout the case. She misled police about her childcare arrangements and then tried to evade justice by attempting to flee the country.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those who been affected by Joshua’s death.” Daily Mail Online
