Introduction
LONDON, April 2 (Reuters) - A lawyer for Lucy Letby plans to present new evidence to a commission that reviews miscarriages of justice, arguing it challenges the convictions of the British nurse who was found guilty of murdering seven infants in her care.
Context
Letby was sentenced in 2023 to life in prison after being convicted of murdering the newborns and attempting to murder eight more between June 2015 and June 2016 while working in the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital in northern England. The 35-year-old has been recognized as Britain's worst serial child killer in modern times and has consistently maintained her innocence as she seeks to appeal her convictions.
Developments
The case has gained significant public attention, with medical experts and supporters questioning the prosecution’s evidence and suggesting that no babies were actually murdered. Lawyer Mark McDonald announced he would submit an 86-page report by leading medical specialists to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), arguing that it raises serious doubts about the trial's conclusions regarding two of the infants, referred to as Babies F and L.
Key Evidence
- The trial relied heavily on the assertion that the babies were poisoned with insulin, a key element for the prosecution's case.
- McDonald stated that the new evidence undermines the prosecution's conclusions and highlights that the results of the international review of neonatal medicine indicate that Letby’s convictions are no longer safe.
The CCRC is currently evaluating Letby's application, though it has not provided a timeline for its decision. Meanwhile, police continue to investigate, and earlier appeals by Letby concerning flawed evidence have been rejected. Additionally, the head of a public inquiry into the deaths has called for the investigation to be paused.
Conclusion
As new evidence continues to emerge, the case surrounding Lucy Letby remains contentious and under scrutiny, with implications for the legal system and public policy regarding miscarriages of justice.