News

Sophee Redhead's defence team speaks out about her acquittal

Following the recent not guilty verdict on the nursery worker charged with manslaughter and health and safety offences, two solicitors explore the legal minefield surrounding prosecution of individuals for health and safety related incidents, which can result in long prison sentences if convicted. They query whether there are artificially higher expectations for nursery owners and employees when a child dies or is injured.

On 6 February, Sophee Redhead, a 25-year-old former nursery worker, was cleared at Leeds Crown Court of the manslaughter (by gross negligence) of a three-year-old child at the York College Nursery on 17 September 2012. At the time of the incident, which involved the child's neck being caught in a rope on an outdoor slide, Sophee was supervising in the outdoor play area, but was consoling another young child who had fallen over and hurt himself.

Police investigation

As with all workplace fatalities, the matter was first and foremost investigated by the police, who were assisted by the relevant health and safety agency, which in this case was the Health and Safety Executive (a local authority's environmental health department may also investigate such incidents).

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here