Police investigating the death of a 'beautiful' baby girl who suffered a 'medical episode' at a Stockport nursery have requested more time to establish the cause of death, a coroners court has heard. The nine-month-old has now been named as Genevieve Meehan.
She was taken to hospital after falling ill at Tiny Toes Children's Day Nursery, in Cheadle Hulme, on May 9. The baby died later the same day.
An inquest into the baby's death has now been opened at South Manchester Coroners' Court. At a pre-inquest hearing yesterday (November 30), police revealed the cause of her death was still unknown, and the results of her post-mortem are only expected following the anniversary of her death next May.
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Detectives investigating the death arrested two women, aged 35 and 34, on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter on May 13. A 24-year-old woman was later arrested, on October 12, on suspicion of child neglect.
All three have been bailed pending further investigation. In yesterday's 10-minute hearing, which Genevieve’s parents attended via video link, coroner Chris Morris said: "This hearing is a slightly unusual procedural hearing, in as far as although Genevie’s tragic death was in May this year, a cause of death is yet to be established."
He then spoke to DCI Whalley, from Greater Manchester Police, who was present at the hearing along with legal representatives for the nursery and the council. And the detective confirmed that the case pathologist, Dr. Lumb, had asked for 'expert' assistance to determine the reason why Genevieve passed away.
DCI Whalley said: “We are waiting on expert witness reports. The latest we will get them is February 2023. I imagine it will take Dr Lumb a month for them to write their report. I expect their report in early April 2023.”
The officer confirmed that the Crown Prosecution Service was already 'involved' in the tragic case. Mr Morris adjourned the case until June 5 next year for a further procedural hearing to allow police to 'make further progress' with their ongoing investigations.
In a statement paying tribute to the tot last month, 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.
"She will never be forgotten. We are grateful to Greater Manchester Police and other services for the support they have provided to us. Genevieve deserves justice and we will not rest until she gets it."
Tiny Toes Children's Day Nursery, on Mellor Road, was suspended by Ofsted following Genevieve's death. Ofsted said it carried out three regulatory visits at Tiny Toes Children's Day Nursery 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.
A spokesperson for the nursery told the M.E.N. in October: "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.”
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