A panel of world-renowned neonatal and pediatric specialists has raised questions about the conviction of British nurse Lucy Letby, who was found guilty in 2023 of murdering seven babies at a hospital in England. The experts reviewed 17 cases cited during her original trial and found no evidence to support the claim that Ms. Letby murdered or attempted to kill any of the infants in her care.
The panel’s chairman, Dr. Shoo Lee, stated that while they did identify errors in medical care and management of neonatal conditions at the Countess of Chester Hospital where the deaths occurred, there was no medical evidence to support malfeasance causing injury. The findings highlight the complex circumstances surrounding Ms. Letby’s convictions and may raise concerns about the safety of her conviction.
Dr. Neena Modi, a member of the panel, noted that delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment were contributing factors in several cases, while David Davis, a Conservative lawmaker who has become a champion for Ms. Letby’s cause, called for a retrial, citing “overwhelming evidence” of an unjust conviction.
Ms. Letby’s lawyer, Mark McDonald, recently applied to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, which investigates claims of miscarriages of justice, and stated that there is “overwhelming evidence” that her conviction is unsafe. The commission has confirmed receipt of Ms. Letby’s request but has not specified how long it will take to review the case.
The panel’s report underscores the need for a thorough examination of the evidence in Ms. Letby’s case and highlights the importance of ensuring justice for all parties involved, particularly the families affected by her alleged actions.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/04/world/europe/lucy-letby-nurse-uk-appeal-evidence.html