Lucy Letby is serving 15 whole-life sentences for killing a huge number of babies in her care (Image: PA)
In a scathing statement, a senior police officer has blasted supporters of Lucy Letby, the nurse convicted of multiple infant murders, for casting doubt on her guilt. He branded those questioning the thoroughness of the investigation as “ill-informed” and “insensitive”, emphasising that investigators left “no stone was left unturned”.
Detective Superintendent Paul Hughes, the Senior Investigating Officer for Cheshire Constabulary, described the preparation for the trial as an enormous undertaking, noting it was “one of the longest running murder trials in British criminal history” and highlighted that “the jury diligently carrying out their deliberations for more than 100 hours”.
Letby, a 35-year-old nurse from Hereford, is now serving 15 whole-life sentences after being found guilty in two separate trials at Manchester Crown Court. She was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others, including two attempts on one child, between June 2015 and June 2016 while working at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
Despite the compelling evidence against her, Letby has somehow garnered a significant following of individuals who refuse to believe she is responsible for the heinous crimes she’s been convicted of. In a strange twist, there was even a church newspaper article that called for her forgiveness.
Following the support from renowned neonatologist Professor Shoo Lee, who suggested her possible innocence, The Church of England Newspaper also backed Letby. The publication’s leader column likened the treatment of Letby to the demonisation and execution of women as witches in medieval times, reports the Mirror.
Chair of the independent inquiry Senior appeal court judge Kate Thirlwall speaks at the Liverpool Town Hall, on September 9, 2024 during a preliminary hearing to examine the wider circumstances around the case of nurse Lucy Letby, convicted of murdering seven newborn babies and attempting to kill seven others at the hospital neo-natal unit where she worked (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Her barrister, Mark McDonald, was praised for his “a light of generosity and concern for justice”.
Meanwhile, a pro-Letby Facebook group has seen several members claiming to make “frequent” visits to her Chester home. One member stated: “I’ve been in Chester visiting Lucy’s old haunts, I’ll be there again – definitely want to visit the house”.
The adulation she receives online is likely to upset the families of the children who died under Letby’s care. A source commented: “It’s difficult to think of anything more insulting to the memories of those little children.”
DS Paul Hughes echoed this sentiment, stating that the six-year investigation was “like no other in scope, complexity and magnitude”. He added that any contrary opinions only add to the suffering of the affected families.
Letby will never be released from prison (Image: Cheshire Constabulary/PA Wire)
Detective Superintendent Paul Hughes’ full statement:
“The investigation into the actions of Lucy Letby, the trial process and medical experts continues to face scrutiny and criticism, much of it ill-informed and based on a very partial knowledge of the facts and totality of evidence presented at court and at the Court of Appeal.”
This case has been rigorously and fairly tested through two juries and subsequently scrutinised by two sets of appeal court judges. Lucy Letby’s trial was one of the longest running murder trials in British criminal history with the jury diligently carrying out their deliberations for more than 100 hours.
“It followed an investigation that had been running for six years – an investigation like no other in scope, complexity and magnitude. It was a detailed and painstaking process by a team of almost 70 police officers and no stone was left unturned.
“Preparing for the trial was a mammoth task with 32,000 pages of evidence being gathered and medical records running into thousands of pages being sifted through. Around 2,000 people were spoken to and almost 250 were identified as potential witnesses at trial.
“As the case unfolded, multiple medical experts – specialising in areas of paediatric radiology, paediatric pathology, haematology, paediatric neurology and paediatric endocrinology and two main medical experts (consultant paediatricians) – were enlisted to ensure that we carried out as thorough an investigation as possible. “preparing for the trial was a mammoth task”.
“All are highly regarded in their area of expertise and were cross examined whilst giving their evidence in court.
“Following recent commentary, we have chosen not to enter into the widespread public debate surrounding this case. We remain respectful of the judicial process and mindful of the families who are at the very heart of this.
Lucy Letby body cam footage released by Cheshire Police (Image: Cheshire Police)
“In the closing statements of the Thirlwall public inquiry the parents of the babies involved in the trial spoke of the significant impact this case continues to have on them – a decade after experiencing such trauma and grief.
“Their dignity and composure in the face of intense public discussions with little sensitivity or humanity is remarkable. Their words are incredibly honest and powerful and must not be lost in a sea of noise.
He added: “It is out of a deep sense of respect for the parents of the babies that we have not and will not get drawn into the widespread commentary and speculation online and in the media. They have suffered greatly and continue to do so as this case plays out in a very public forum.
“There is a significant public interest in the reporting of this case, and everyone is entitled to an opinion however, every story that is published, statement made, or comment posted online that refers to the specific details of a live investigation can impede the course of justice and cause further distress to all those involved.
Court artist drawing by Elizabeth Cook of Lucy Letby giving evidence during her trial (Image: PA)
“Cheshire Constabulary is ready to support the CCRC and any appropriate review processes in order to inform any questions that may arise.
“Our priority is to maintain the integrity of our ongoing investigations and to continue to support the many families who are affected by this.”
Public indignation soared in January when the former neonatal nurse celebrated her 35th birthday with a pub party, where she was honoured with prosecco and banners declaring her innocence.
Images from the controversial celebration were uploaded online, inciting fury among those affected by Letby’s crimes, including one individual closely connected to a victim’s family who exclaimed in horror: “What’s next, do we have celebrations for Myra Hindley and Ian Brady?
File screen grab taken from body worn camera footage issued by Cheshire Constabulary of the arrest of Lucy Letby. Letby has been found guilty of the attempted murder of a baby girl. Letby, 34, was convicted at Manchester Crown Court last August by another jury of the murders of seven babies and the attempted murders of six others at the Countess of Chester Hospital’s neo-natal unit between June 2015 and June 2016. Issue date: Tuesday July 2, 2024. PA Photo. A verdict on the allegation concerning a baby girl, known as Child K, could not be reached and a retrial at the same court was ordered on that single count. See PA story COURTS Letby. Photo credit should read: Cheshire Constabulary/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. (Image: PA)
In March, the legal team defending the convicted child murderer argued that the police had made a “huge mistake” in their pursuit of Letby.
Her lawyer, Mark McDonald, insists that she has been wrongfully accused and suggests that new expert evidence gathered by the defence “points the finger” in a direction starkly different from the one pursued by the authorities.