Ruth Auta, a 28-year-old Nigerian nurse working in the UK, has been sentenced to three years in prison for neglecting her 10-week-old son, Joshua Akerele, leading to his tragic death.
Auta left Joshua unattended in her accommodation for eight hours while she worked a shift at the Royal Bolton Hospital on December 20, 2022. Upon returning, she found her son unresponsive and called emergency services, but Joshua passed away an hour later.
Investigations revealed that the baby may have overheated due to excessive clothing and bedding. Auta, who initially claimed she left Joshua with a childminder, was found to have lied, as CCTV footage and text messages exposed her deceit.
She later pleaded guilty to child cruelty charges, and her sentencing was delayed after she was apprehended at Gatwick Airport while attempting to flee to Nigeria with a one-way ticket.
Sara Davie, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, criticized Auta for her neglect and lack of remorse, stating that her actions were particularly concerning given her profession as a nurse.
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