Lucy Letby’s Training Linked to Another Killer Nurse Case, Inquiry Reveals
A public inquiry has shed light on how nurse Lucy Letby’s training included the case of another notorious killer nurse, Beverley Allitt. Letby is under investigation for attacking babies in the neo-natal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016. The inquiry, known as the Thirlwall Inquiry, recently commenced, citing the case of nurse Beverley Allitt, who was responsible for harming children at Grantham and Kesteven Hospital in 1991, as well as GP Harold Shipman. The inquiry’s Chairwoman, Lady Justice Thirlwall, stated that they would not delve into Letby’s convictions due to the distress caused to the parents. Letby, a 34-year-old nurse from Hereford, has been handed 15 whole-life orders after being found guilty of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, including two attempts on the same victim.
- The inquiry will not discuss Letby’s convictions to avoid causing additional distress to the parents.
- A senior lecturer from the University of Chester, where Letby qualified in 2011, mentioned that Allitt’s case was part of student training.
- The motive behind Letby’s actions will not be scrutinized during the inquiry.
Legal representative Rachel Langdale KC highlighted that the Clothier Inquiry examined Allitt’s crimes but tragically, another nurse—Letby—committed similar actions years later. The inquiry will focus on the parents’ experiences, the conduct of hospital staff, and the broader NHS culture and management. Letby maintains her innocence as she received her 15th whole-life order after a retrial found her guilty of attempting to murder a baby girl. Despite losing her appeal against the convictions, Letby continues to proclaim her innocence. Lady Justice Thirlwall aims to conclude the hearings by early 2025, with the findings expected to be published by late autumn of that year. An existing court order prohibits the disclosure of the identities of the children involved in the case, whether alive or deceased.
Key Points:
- The Thirlwall Inquiry looks into Letby’s actions at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016.
- Nurse Beverley Allitt’s case was included in Letby’s training at the University of Chester.
- The inquiry is led by Chairwoman Lady Justice Thirlwall and will not examine Letby’s convictions to prevent further anguish to the parents.
- The inquiry aims to conclude in early 2025, with findings to be published later that year.