Almost 14 months after the death of a nine-month-old baby girl - who suffered a 'medical episode' at a now-closed children's nursery - her parents are still waiting for answers. The results of a post-mortem examination, ordered in a bid to establish the cause of Genevieve Meehan's death, are pending, a pre-inquest review hearing has been told.
A senior police officer also revealed at the short hearing that 'a second round of interviews' was expected to be completed soon. Police made three arrests following Genevieve's death.
She was described by her family as a 'wonderful, unique and special person' who loved to be cuddled, dance and play with her toy tambourine. Genevieve was taken to hospital after falling ill at the Tiny Toes Children's Day Nursery, in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, on May 9 last year. Sadly, she died later the same day.
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Police released a statement shortly after saying paramedics alerted officers to reports of a 'child suffering a medical episode'. Detectives investigating Genevieve's death arrested two women, aged 35 and 34, on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter days later.
A 24-year-old woman was also held later on suspicion of child neglect. All three were later bailed pending further investigation.
Senior coroner Alison Mutch, sitting at Stockport Coroners' Court on Wednesday, said a full post-mortem statement has yet to be received. She said the court has 'chased' the Home Office pathologist and been told it 'should not be too much longer'.
The hearing was told a number of specialists pathologists have been involved. Ms Mutch told Genevieve's parents, who were watching proceedings via a video link: "All of them appreciate that everyone is anxious to make progress, but they want to make sure that everything is done to the best of their abilities."
Det Insp Charlotte Whalley said Greater Manchester Police had been working with the Crown Prosecution Service. She said it was 'hoped' that a 'second round of interviews' would be completed soon, but added that what could happen next depends on the pathology reports.
The hearing was told the court 'should be in a position to whether there are going to be criminal charges by the end of July or beginning of August'. If criminal charges are brought, Ms Mutch said inquest proceedings would be 'suspended' pending the outcome.
The hearing was told a joint investigation was carried out involving both Greater Manchester Police and trading standards. The family's barrister said Genevieve's parents 'would like to see progress as soon as possible'.
Ms Mutch said: "I am anxious to make sure that we continue to make progress and that we keep things moving. Given the indications about timescales, what I am going to do is, I am going to adjourn today to a further pre-inquest review hearing which will be on August 16.
"On that date, hopefully we will be in a position to know whether criminal charges are to be brought or not and at that point, we should also have the pathologist's report."
In a tribute statement at the time, Genevieve's family said: "On the afternoon of May 9, 2022 our world turned very dark. We are devastated beyond words at the loss of our beloved Genevieve. She was so wanted and so treasured. Her absence is the wound that will never heal. Genevieve was not just a baby. She was a wonderful, unique and special person.
"She was an individual with her likes and dislikes, her passions and her joys. She loved to be cuddled, to dance and to play with her toys, particularly her tambourine.
"Most of all she loved to spend time with her family, and we loved and cherished every moment that we spent with her. She had the most beautiful smile and enchanting emerald eyes.
"To know that we will not get to hear her mischievous laugh again, or hold her hand, is almost too much to bear. We grieve for everything we have lost, but most of all we grieve for her, for a life filled with promise and opportunity that was cut so short.
"We cannot accept the cruelty and unfairness of this. She gave us so much in the short time that she was with us. We are different and better people for having had her in our lives. She is and will always remain a vital and integral member of our family."
The nursery, on Mellor Road, was suspended by Ofsted following Genevieve's death. The watchdog said it carried out three regulatory visits on September 2, 5 and 28. The regulator said the provider 'was not meeting some of the requirements' Ofsted had placed on the suspended nursery following those visits.
The nursery had appealed the suspension, before deciding to close down permanently in October last year. A spokesperson for the nursery told the Manchester Evening News at the time: "We have continued to fully support all the investigations into this very sad and tragic incident. Our heartfelt condolences and deepest sorrow are always with the parents and family.
"This has been a devastating experience for all of us and we have taken the decision to permanently close the nursery. Given ongoing investigation we are unable to comment any further at this time."
