25: The Inquiry: The Press Conference. How significant was it?
Feb 7, 2025
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In this engaging discussion, Lord Ken Macdonald KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions, shares his insights on the Lucy Letby case. The conversation delves into the press conference findings and their potential implications on the defense's claims of innocence. Macdonald navigates the complexities surrounding the expert testimonies and systemic failures in neonatal care. The emotional toll on families seeking justice is also highlighted, alongside the legal strategies that may shape Letby’s future appeals.
The expert panel's assessment claims Lucy Letby's actions were not malicious, attributing infant deaths to natural causes and medical care lapses.
The emotional response of victims' families illustrates the deep societal implications and ongoing distress related to Letby's trial and the inquiry.
Deep dives
The Conviction of Lucy Letby
Lucy Letby, a neonatal nurse, was convicted of killing and harming 13 infants under her care at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016. She received a sentence of 14 life terms after a jury found her guilty, marking her as one of the UK's most notorious serial killers. Following her conviction, questions arose regarding how she was able to inflict harm on vulnerable patients without detection by her colleagues. The ongoing Thirlwall Inquiry seeks to address the failures within the hospital system that allowed these tragic events to transpire.
New Defense Attempts to Overturn Convictions
In a recent press conference, Lucy Letby's barrister announced an application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) to challenge her convictions, shifting from an initial plan to appeal directly to the Court of Appeal. The defense aims to present new evidence, claiming it demonstrates that the original trial's medical conclusions were flawed. Key panel experts, including notable figures in pediatric care, asserted that many infant deaths were due to natural causes rather than any malicious actions by Letby. This shift in strategy indicates a continued legal battle on behalf of Letby, potentially reopening discussions around the validity of her convictions.
Medical Report Challenges Prosecution Narrative
An expert panel, led by Dr. Shu Lee, evaluated the medical evidence concerning the 17 newborns involved in the case, concluding that there was no evidence to support claims of murder or attempted murder. They asserted that the deaths were linked instead to natural causes or lapses in medical care rather than deliberate acts by Letby. For instance, a revised understanding related to Baby A’s death revealed a blood clot connection due to medical procedural delays rather than air embolism. This panel’s independent findings provide critical insight that could influence ongoing discussions about the alleged malpractice and accountability at the hospital.
The Impact on Families and Public Perception
The panel's findings and press conference stirred considerable distress among the families of the victims, many of whom feel their experiences and the convictions of Letby have been undermined. One mother expressed outrage over the framing of the discussion, highlighting the need for sensitivity given the loss endured by these families. She emphasized their belief in the justice system and the jury’s verdict, opposing claims that raised doubts about the convictions. This tension illustrates the broader societal implications of the case, as public discourse evolves amidst ongoing legal examinations and revelations about the medical care provided.
In this episode Caroline and Liz discuss this week’s press conference by Lucy Letby’s defence team. They go over the findings of the expert panel, who now say she isn't guilty of any murders, and compare it to the evidence scrutinised at her two trials.
They also speak to Lord Ken Macdonald KC, the former Director of Public Prosecutions, who gives his take on the Criminal Cases Review Commission and Lucy Letby’s chances of a new appeal.