Seized maternity notes not given to Lucy Letby defence for trial, BBC learns
Summary
Maternity notes related to babies that nurse Lucy Letby was convicted of harming were not shared with her defense before her trial, BBC reports. These notes, which contain information about the mothers' pregnancies and births, were collected by police but neither fully examined by the prosecution’s medical expert nor given to Letby’s lawyers. Experts disagree about how important these notes were to the case.Key Facts
- Lucy Letby, a neonatal nurse, was convicted of murdering and attempting to murder 14 babies at Countess of Chester Hospital in 2015-2016.
- Maternity notes, detailing pregnancy and birth information for the babies, were seized by Cheshire Police but not given to Letby’s defense team.
- The prosecution’s chief medical expert did not review the full maternity notes, only brief summaries attached to neonatal records.
- The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said they did not disclose the notes because they were not used as part of the prosecution’s case.
- The defense requested the maternity notes, but they were not provided.
- One medical expert for the defense, Professor Phil Bennett, said maternity care details are important in understanding why babies died.
- The prosecution and their expert argued the babies were born in good condition and died after birth due to Letby’s actions.
- Lucy Letby is currently serving 15 whole life prison terms after two jury trials and a Court of Appeal ruling.
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