A father is demanding justice after learning his son was assaulted at the same Dudley nursery where toddler Noah Sibanda tragically lost his life. The dad, who wishes to remain anonymous, said he was kept in the dark about what happened to his child during his time at Fairytales Day Nursery on Bourne Street.
Father's Ordeal
His son had been a regular in the baby room for around six months before 14-month-old Noah's death. The father described his son as "always coming out all sweaty and hot." He only discovered something was wrong when police asked for a photograph of his son to identify him on CCTV. "Around a week later, police came back to say he'd been assaulted," he said, adding that police told him "there was other babies as well that had been assaulted."
Noah's Tragic Death
Noah died on December 9, 2022, after being tightly wrapped in a sleeping bag by key worker Kimberley Cookson, who placed him face down in a tepee with a blanket over his head. Despite it being clear Noah wasn't ready for a nap, Cookson continued to forcefully pat him to sleep and put her leg over him for seven minutes.
Sentences Handed Down
Cookson was jailed for three years and four months, while nursery owner Deborah Latewood received a suspended sentence. Fairytales Nursery Limited was fined £240,000 after admitting corporate manslaughter. However, the father believes others should be held accountable. "Other people should have been sentenced as well," he said, demanding to see CCTV footage and seeking closure for his son and other babies affected.
Police Response
West Midlands Police said they worked with the Crown Prosecution Service to secure the charges and convictions, incorporating risks to other children's health and safety. The father continues to seek answers and justice for his son and the other children involved.
