Baby girl was 'unlawfully killed'

Molly died in October 2005

A 16-month-old girl who died after choking on the strings of a cloth bag tied to her cot was unlawfully killed, an inquest jury has ruled.

Molly Cunliffe became tangled in her cot at Tiddlywinks nursery in Gloucester in October 2005.

She died two weeks later at Bristol Children's Hospital after her parents decided to turn off her ventilator.

Molly's parents are now preparing a civil case, while police are considering taking further action.

Det Ch Insp Geoff Brookes told the BBC: "Following the verdict of unlawful killing... Gloucestershire Police can confirm they will be discussing the case with the coroner and considering the potential for further action."

Every human right of our beautiful daughter was taken away Matthew Cunliffe

An investigation by police and Ofsted last year into Molly's death concluded that staff were not to blame.

County coroner Alan Crickmore said it was unanimously accepted to be a "well recognised" hazard to hang anything near babies.

He also reminded the jury how Molly - and three other toddlers - had been left in the care of an unqualified 17-year-old student.

Molly's mother and father, Keata Glenton, 29, and Matthew Cunliffe, 28, welcomed the verdict at Gloucester Shire Hall.

Mr Cunliffe said: "Every human right of our beautiful daughter was taken away.

"We feel that this resulted in unforgivable negligence and the needless death of our daughter Molly.

"Justice has been done and we hope a clear message will be sent out to other carers so this catalogue of errors will never happen again.

"We would also like to thank Molly for giving us 16 precious months."

The owner of the nursery, Rosemary Meadows, cried on hearing the verdict and said her "heart went out" to Molly's parents.