Inquiry into Lucy Letby’s Convictions Should be Suspended, Lawyer Says
A public inquiry examining how UK nurse Lucy Letby was able to murder babies in her care should be suspended due to new evidence casting doubt on her convictions, the lawyer for the hospital’s senior managers said today.
Background
Lucy Letby, 35, was found guilty of murdering seven children and attempting to murder eight more between June 2015 and June 2016 while working in the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital (COCH) in northern England. This makes her Britain’s most prolific serial child killer of modern times.
Challenging the Evidence
Medical experts have since publicly challenged the evidence on which she was convicted, casting doubt on whether the babies were murdered. Letby’s lawyer has applied to the criminal cases review commission (CCRC) to have her convictions re-examined.
Call for Suspension
Kate Blackwell, lawyer for the senior managers at the COCH, has submitted written arguments to the inquiry, stating that there is a real likelihood that alternative explanations for the deaths and unexplained collapses exist, namely poor clinical management and care, and natural causes. She has asked for the inquiry to be paused until there is clarity as to Letby’s involvement in the deaths, as determined by a proper appeals process.
Inquiry Chair’s Response
Yesterday, inquiry chair Kathryn Thirlwall announced that she would hear arguments on why the inquiry should be paused after the managers, a senior lawmaker, and Letby’s own lawyer asked for a suspension.
Investigation Ongoing
Amidst the doubts voiced about Letby’s guilt, police are still investigating whether she murdered other babies. The investigation has expanded to include possible corporate manslaughter at the COCH, focused on the hospital’s senior leadership, and gross negligence manslaughter by individuals.
Manager’s Defence
Blackwell said senior managers accepted that they had got things wrong, but hoped that the evidence to the inquiry had shown their actions were made in good faith. The managers vociferously denied accusations that they "deliberately and knowingly" protected a murderer.
Conclusion
The inquiry’s future hangs in the balance as the lawyer for the senior managers urges for a suspension. The outcome of this investigation has significant implications for the nursing profession and the families affected by the tragic events.
FAQs
Q: Why is the lawyer calling for the inquiry to be suspended?
A: The lawyer is calling for the inquiry to be suspended due to new evidence casting doubt on Lucy Letby’s convictions.
Q: What is the purpose of the inquiry?
A: The inquiry is examining how UK nurse Lucy Letby was able to murder babies in her care and how the killings went undetected.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, with police still investigating whether Letby murdered other babies and expanding their inquiry into possible corporate and gross negligence manslaughter.