UK-based Nigerian nurse sentenced to 3 years in prison for child cruelty

A heart-wrenching case of child neglect has resulted in a 3-year prison sentence for Ruth Auta, a 28-year-old single mother and nurse, who was found guilty of child cruelty.

The tragic incident occurred when Auta left her 10-week-old baby unattended for 8 hours, resulting in the infant’s death.

Auta, who worked at Royal Bolton Hospital, had abandoned her child at their apartment while she went to work, claiming she had made arrangements for the baby’s care. However, investigations revealed that she had lied to the police, and CCTV footage showed her leaving and returning to the apartment without the baby.

Text messages also revealed that Auta had attempted to cover up the baby’s death by asking a nanny to lie and assist in the cover-up. The nanny later confirmed that the baby was never brought to her, and she had not seen the child for several days.

Auta pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on May 24, 2024, and was arrested at Gatwick Airport on June 6, attempting to flee the UK with a one-way ticket to Nigeria.

This devastating case has not only resulted in a prison sentence but will likely lead to Auta losing her nursing license, ending her career as a nurse.