According to The Independent, neonatal nurse Lucy Letby was sentenced to a whole-life order for the attempted murder of a premature baby girl at Countess of Chester Hospital.
This latest conviction adds to Letby’s existing life terms for multiple counts of murder and attempted murder. The incident took place in February 2016 when Letby, 34, dislodged the breathing tube of a newborn, referred to as Child K, who had been born at just 25 weeks, weighing 692 grams.
Child K tragically passed away three days later after being moved to a specialist unit. This heinous act was discovered by Dr. Ravi Jayaram, a Consultant pediatrician, who reportedly "caught" Letby “virtually red-handed.”
At Manchester Crown Court on Friday, Mr. Justice Goss delivered sentencing remarks highlighting Letby’s methodical and emotionless cruelty. He emphasized that Letby has shown no regret for her actions.
Justice Goss stated, "It was another shocking act of calculated, callous cruelty,” underscoring the severity of her actions over the years. Despite her sentencing, Letby continued to proclaim her innocence, maintaining this stance as she was led out of the courtroom.
This retrial for the attempted murder charge was necessitated after the initial jury could not reach a verdict. The second jury took three and a half hours to convict Letby of the crime.
During the trial, Prosecutor Nick Johnson KC read the judge's remarks detailing Letby’s actions and their lethal consequences. Letby had initially been charged with Child K's murder, but this charge was dropped in June 2022. The Court heard how Dr. Jayaram intervened in the early hours, resuscitating Child K around 3:45 am after discovering her deteriorating state.
Lucy Letby is currently serving 14 whole-life terms for the killings of seven infants and the attempted killings of seven more, making her one of Britain's most notorious serial killers.
Cheshire Constabulary continues its extensive review of the care provided to approximately 4,000 babies admitted to the hospital's neonatal unit during Letby’s employment. In addition, a corporate manslaughter investigation is being conducted at the hospital, and a public inquiry into Letby’s criminal activities is expected to commence on September 10 at Liverpool Town Hall.
Nichola Wyn Williams, the senior crown prosecutor, described the complexity and harrowing nature of the case, asserting that Letby used her expertise as a nurse to become a killer.
Williams commented, “This has been an incredibly difficult, complex and disturbing case. A trained nurse tasked with looking after the most vulnerable babies used her craft and her skills to become a killer.” Justice Goss and Prosecutor Johnson both underscored Letby’s utter lack of remorse and her cold denial of guilt throughout the trial.
With her Court of Appeal bid to challenge her previous convictions rejected in May, Letby’s fate is now sealed as she faces the remainder of her life behind bars. The continuation of inquiries and investigations into the broader implications of her actions signals an ongoing pursuit of justice and assurance of safety protocols in neonatal care.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Lucy Letby for yet another horrific crime involving the attempted murder of a premature baby adds to her list of life sentences for similar acts of cruelty. This case remains a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities present in medical care for infants and the ongoing necessity for vigilant oversight and thorough investigative practices.
