Lucy Letby Case: New Evidence and Uncertain Future for Appeals Process
Crucial developments follow expert panel's conclusion challenging medical evidence used in Lucy Letby's convictions.
Lucy Letby, a neonatal nurse convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital, is currently serving 15 whole-life sentences in Bronzefield prison.
Recently, a panel of 14 leading neonatologists and paediatricians concluded that there is 'no medical evidence' supporting the claims of malfeasance related to her convictions.
This development raises questions about the future of her case as it awaits review by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).
The CCRC is an independent body in the United Kingdom tasked with investigating potential miscarriages of justice and has the authority to refer cases back to the Court of Appeal for reconsideration.
The CCRC's current review of Letby’s case follows the submission of a 31-page summary report, which is part of a larger dossier expected to be delivered in the coming weeks.
Letby’s convictions were primarily based on the testimonies of a single retired consultant paediatrician.
The new panel of experts asserts that there is a lack of scientific proof regarding the methods she is alleged to have used, including injecting air into the infants' bloodstreams and administering insulin.
Legal representatives for Letby, including barrister Mark McDonald, argue that this evidence is substantial enough to warrant an immediate referral back to the Court of Appeal.
However, timelines for a decision by the CCRC remain unclear.
A source within the CCRC indicated that the review process could take 'years, not months' due to the complexity and volume of the original case materials.
The investigation will be comprehensive, involving a detailed examination of all evidence presented during the trials.
Letby has previously attempted to appeal her conviction, both of which were dismissed by the Court of Appeal in May 2022. This raises questions about whether the higher court will view the new evidence as grounds for reopening her case.
In terms of her immediate future, Lucy Letby remains incarcerated and continues to be viewed as one of the most notorious serial killers in British history.
Any potential discussions around bail are currently hindered by the stance of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which has indicated it will oppose any such applications, grounded in the previously assessed evidence that led to her convictions.
As the CCRC contemplates Letby’s case, additional factors may further complicate proceedings.
Reports suggest that police are considering further charges related to the deaths of infants in a second hospital, Liverpool Women’s Hospital, potentially prolonging the review process.
Furthermore, ongoing inquiries, including the Thirlwall inquiry into the deaths attributed to Letby, conclude their hearings in the near future, which may influence the CCRC's approach.
Historically, cases similar to Letby’s have had mixed outcomes when presented for review.
The cases of Ben Geen and Colin Norris, both of whom have sought assistance from the CCRC under analogous circumstances, highlight the challenges faced by appellants in securing new hearings based on expert evidence.
The current legal landscape, public interest, and the complexities entwined in Letby’s case suggest a protracted and intricate journey ahead, with considerable implications for how miscarriages of justice are handled within the British legal system.
It is extraordinary some still cling to the flimsy and ambiguous circumstantial evidence that should never have even been mentioned such as Ms Letby’s confused and self contradictory postit note (see the analysis by Prof Gisli Gudjonsson, forensic psychologist), written in despair after she had been accused and her life ruined by groundless accusations, when all of the medical evidence used against her has been meticulously torn apart by world leading experts. Presumably this evidence, or lack of it, is too challenging for some to understand. As Lord Sumption put it, cases built on such circumstantial inferences are unsafe. Furthermore we now know what really killed those infants, no surprises there, natural causes and bad medical care, just as in all the other maternity/neonatal units where scandals about poor care are currently engulfing the NHS. 3 babies a day die in similar circumstances in the NHS, that is where efforts should be addressed, not demonising and scapegoating a hardworking nurse doing her best for her patients. Shame on us all for being taken in by the utterly implausible or impossible nonsense about injecting air or milk, or insulin, for none of which is there any evidence at all
Julian Bryan4 days ago
No, she didn't clearly 'ADMIT IT'! Anyone following the case will know that she simply scribbled a patchwork of incoherent thoughts at the advice of her reckless and irresponsible 'counsellor', who advised her to write down anything that came into her head - clearly with complete disregard for the obvious consequences in the predictable event of these notes being found by the police. Anyone following the case will know that her "journal" also proclaimed her innocence, stating - amongst other things - "I have done nothing wrong".
The false belief that these notes are somehow proof of her guilt has been blown apart countless times by experts who understand her state of mind when she wrote them. The constant repetition of these references by people who clearly haven't been following the case in depth, is not only unhelpful but totally wrong on all levels.
dawn heaton6 days ago
I am not a Doctor or Nurse--but just watched the Letby case. I believe she is guilty! She admits it in her journal...I know all of you, who think she is innocence write in your journal from time to time, "I am a murderer"! NO? Yeah, neither would I or even think in those terms. IF there is clear evidence to re-open her case--then do it, but to me--she did do it...SHE ADMITTED IT!
Lyn Marie Dawes19 days ago
Its looking like the most recent evidence for Operation Duet (Thirwall enquiry) is sadly about to prove her innocence
Babies died when she wasn't on shift, retired out of his depth non specialist Dewi Evans used asmain witnes for prosecution, arrests have now been made for perverting the courts of justice.
Its clear this young woman is innocent of 'Murder' (she never pleaded guilty either) negligence is another matter and she may well be guilty of that alongside others in much higher positions than hers.
The deaths of these babies have been explained medically by a panel of the worlds best Neo natal doctors led by Dr Shoo.
I honestly think someone out there is hoping she will die of an 'accident' in prison - that way they will get away with it and keep their cushty jobs and lifestyles
Poor girl, my heart goes out to her
Her convictions are not safe anymore, but our justice system will drag its feet, as they know it will make multiple organisations look dreadful, well it looks dreadful now, so imagine what happens next..
All the babies died of medical negligence at this hospital
Lets see what happens next.
David McArthur20 days ago
It is extremely likely that Lucy Letby is entirely innocent. If bystanders (and I am a bystander without any expertise whatsoever) can see this based on expert evidence presented from both sides - evidence in court and from Dr Shoo Lee's expert panel, then why does the archaic system roll on. It is suggested that those institutions responsible for LL's conviction are now protecting their reputations. H. M's. Constabulary, CPS, and the judicial system itself cannot be seen to be so shockingly wrong, people would lose respect. I have news for them, respect was lost long ago. Their response (or lack of) to clear evidence of innocence can only be described as complete and utter corruption. What's new? Authority has always been corrupt and self serving.
beverley ann todd22 days ago
its clear she is guilty she cannot come out of prison she is a baby killer for gods sake
Roger Norwich33 days ago
As a doctor who has been working on Lucy's case for over two years and having had access to all the trial transcripts I am totally convinced that this was a witch trial concocted by certain doctors at Chester hospital. Some have committed perjury in the trial and some those who have not, have acquiesced in the sins of their colleagues. As for the so-called witnesses several had huge questions marks over their own practice and had no place in a trial. Evans is in my view a total charlatan as were others. The new evidence just produced published and peer reviewed concerning insulin written by Helen Shannon and Prof Geoff Chase simply blows people like Evans, Bohin and Hindmarsh out of the water and show them up for what shysters they are. Let us hope that the CCRC moves quickly and that in due course the Chester doctors and some 'experts' are prosecuted and jailed. What a fiasco, witch trial, utterly incompetent police, biased judge all based on a misogynistic lie and a rotting legal system.
Bill Payne34 days ago
They are postponing, or taking their time over the inevitable. They know that when that inevitable happens there will once again be a terrible discrediting of major institutions, police, justice, medical professionals etc. And they are scared. In the meantime this poor innocent woman languishes in prison. She will be owed a fortune in compensation, none of which can ever fully recompense her for what she has been through.
mia turnbull49 days ago
hurry the f up
Jeffrey McPike52 days ago
This is Amanda Knox all over again. No proof of anything and no motive. No justification for her being convicted or spending a day in jail.