The jury at Manchester Crown Court found Neonatal Nurse Lucy Letby guilty of murdering seven babies and trying to kill six others at the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016. At over 10 months, the murder trial was the longest and one of the most complex in British history.

Whole Life Order

Mr Justice Goss sentenced Letby to 14 whole life orders on Monday, August 21, 2023. A whole life order is the most severe sentence available in the UK and means that Letby will never be eligible for parole.

Why did Lucy Letby do it?

The prosecution argued that Letby enjoyed “playing God” and she targeted the most vulnerable babies. Driving her desire to kill was getting the “personal attention” of a male doctor who would respond when the babies she harmed deteriorated. The defence argued that Letby was innocent and that the babies had died of natural causes.

Lucy Letby’s Sentence

The jury rejected the defence’s arguments and found Letby guilty of fourteen of the twenty-two charges against her. Each and every offence that the jury found her guilty of resulted in a whole life order. Mr Justice Goss said that “Because the seriousness of your offences is exceptionally high… you will spend the rest of your life in prison.”

Lucy Letby’s Parents

Letby’s parents, John and Susan Letby, have not spoken publicly about their daughter’s conviction or sentence. However, they attended every day of the trial and Susan Letby sobbed in the courtroom when the jury found her daughter guilty. They did not attend for her sentencing, and Letby herself also refused to appear in court.

The Trial of Lucy Letby

It is not clear why Lucy Letby committed these crimes. The prosecution argued that she got “a thrill out of…the grief and despair.” The defence argued that the prosecution was “founded on guesswork” but the jury rejected this argument.

The whole life orders mean that the prison will never release Lucy Letby. She will die behind bars. Letby maintains her innocence.

Safety of Babies in Hospitals

This case has shocked us, and it raises questions about the safety of babies in hospitals. The Countess of Chester Hospital, rated as requires improvement by the CQC (and inadequate for maternity services) following its inspection in June 2022, has apologised to the families of the victims. The Government has ordered an independent enquiry into the circumstances behind the murders and attempted murders to help ensure that families get the answers that they need.