Twenty-four-year-old woman to appear in court over York College nursery tragedy
Katy Morton
Monday, April 8, 2013
A former nursery worker, who last month was charged by police in connection with the death of a three-year-old at York College Day Nursery, appeared in court today.
North Yorkshire Police, who are leading an investigation into the death of three-year-old Lydia Bishop, charged 24-year-old Sophee Redhead on 15 March 2013 with gross negligence manslaughter.
Three-year-old Lydia Bishop died after becoming entangled in a rope on a slide at York College Nursery’s outdoor area on her first day on 17 September 2012.
An inquest revealed that nursery staff and paramedics carried out CPR after Lydia Bishop was found ‘unresponsive’ on a slide in the nursery’s outdoor area, with a rope around her neck.
Ms Redhead, who appeared at York Magistrate's Court today, will appear before a judge at Leeds Crown Court for a preliminary hearing next Monday.
York College, who took the decision to permanently close the nursery, has also been summoned to court by the police for health and safety breaches.
No pleas have yet been entered by the former staff member or college.
Last October, North Yorkshire Police arrested two members of staff from York College Day Nursery, however they were later released on bail.
Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Costello of North Yorkshire Police, said, ‘This has been a very distressing case for everyone involved, not least for Lydia’s family who have suffered an extremely tragic loss.
‘Our thoughts are with them and specially trained officers continue to support them through this very difficult time.
‘The matter is now in the hands of the criminal justice system and we await the outcome of any subsequent court proceedings.’
