Nurse Ruth Auta has been sentenced to three years in prison for leaving her 10-week-old baby alone, leading to his death. On 20 December 2022, she left her son, Joshua, at her accommodation at Royal Bolton Hospital, returning after over eight hours. Despite resuscitation efforts, Joshua was pronounced dead. Auta was later arrested trying to flee to Nigeria after admitting to child cruelty.
Ruth Auta, a 28-year-old nurse, has been sentenced to three years in prison after her 10-week-old son, Joshua Akerele, died when she left him alone to go to work.
On December 20, 2022, Auta left Joshua at her accommodation at the Royal Bolton Hospital around 06:30 GMT, returning over eight hours later.
Despite calling an ambulance at 15:24 and resuscitation attempts, Joshua was pronounced dead at 16:40.
Investigations revealed that Auta tried to cover up her negligence by falsely claiming Joshua was with a childminder.
CCTV footage and phone messages contradicted her claims.
After pleading guilty to child cruelty, Auta was arrested at Gatwick Airport on June 6, attempting to flee to Nigeria.
The court heard the baby might have overheated due to excessive clothing and bedding, although no conclusive cause of death was found.
Sara Davie of the Crown Prosecution Service condemned Auta’s actions, emphasizing her lack of remorse and attempt to avoid justice.