A public inquiry into the case of Lucy Letby, a nurse convicted of murdering several infants, may be suspended following claims from former hospital executives that new evidence raises doubts about her guilt.
Former Executives Call for Suspension of Lucy Letby Inquiry
Former Executives Call for Suspension of Lucy Letby Inquiry
Hospital leaders argue new evidence undermines findings of guilt in the infamous case.
Former management at the Countess of Chester Hospital in the UK have requested that the ongoing public inquiry into the crimes committed by Lucy Letby be paused. Citing new evidence, the lawyers representing these ex-executives argue that it challenges the conclusions drawn about Letby’s responsibility for the tragic deaths that occurred in the neonatal unit.
During Tuesday's testimony, Kate Blackwell, attorney for the former hospital leaders, stated that evidence emerging in recent months suggests the unexpected deaths of babies in 2015 and 2016 might stem from various other causes, including inadequate medical care or natural health issues. Blackwell emphasized that proceeding with the inquiry without fully examining these possibilities would oppose the inquiry's aim of thorough investigation.
Letby, now 35, was convicted during trials held in 2023 and 2024 for murdering and attempting to murder 14 newborns under her care, although she has consistently asserted her innocence. The inquiry, initiated by the UK’s health secretary, was established to understand how such severe crimes could go unnoticed for an extended period. However, the inquiry's foundation relies heavily on the presumption of Letby’s guilt, which has faced increasing scrutiny since critical articles and expert testimonies surfaced last year questioning the integrity of her convictions.
Recently, a panel of neonatal specialists announced they found no evidence to support claims of murder on Letby’s part. According to Dr. Shoo Lee, who heads the independent review, the deaths and injuries observed were attributed to either natural health complications or deficiencies in medical management rather than any criminal actions by the nurse.
During Tuesday's testimony, Kate Blackwell, attorney for the former hospital leaders, stated that evidence emerging in recent months suggests the unexpected deaths of babies in 2015 and 2016 might stem from various other causes, including inadequate medical care or natural health issues. Blackwell emphasized that proceeding with the inquiry without fully examining these possibilities would oppose the inquiry's aim of thorough investigation.
Letby, now 35, was convicted during trials held in 2023 and 2024 for murdering and attempting to murder 14 newborns under her care, although she has consistently asserted her innocence. The inquiry, initiated by the UK’s health secretary, was established to understand how such severe crimes could go unnoticed for an extended period. However, the inquiry's foundation relies heavily on the presumption of Letby’s guilt, which has faced increasing scrutiny since critical articles and expert testimonies surfaced last year questioning the integrity of her convictions.
Recently, a panel of neonatal specialists announced they found no evidence to support claims of murder on Letby’s part. According to Dr. Shoo Lee, who heads the independent review, the deaths and injuries observed were attributed to either natural health complications or deficiencies in medical management rather than any criminal actions by the nurse.
