Retired Nursing Head Affirms Lucy Letby’s Innocence
A retired head of nursing from Countess of Chester Hospital has come forward to assert Lucy Letby’s innocence amidst the high-profile case surrounding the convicted killer. Lucy Letby, a nurse from Hereford, has been sentenced to 15 whole-life orders for the murder of seven infants and the attempted murder of seven others between June 2015 and June 2016.
Karen Rees, the 62-year-old former head of nursing, revealed her encounters with Letby, expressing shock and sympathy for the nurse during their interactions. Meeting Letby for the first time in 2016, Rees had the challenging task of informing her that she was being removed from the neonatal ward due to concerns about her clinical practice. Despite the difficult situation, Rees described Letby as a “very frightened young woman who was shocked and bewildered.”
Over the subsequent two years, Rees maintained regular contact with Letby, developing a close rapport with the nurse. Despite the circumstances, Letby remained steadfast in her denial of any wrongdoing, consistently asserting her innocence to Rees. The retired head of nursing shared that Letby was visibly distressed during their weekly meetings, often in tears and questioning why the events were happening to her.
Concerned for Letby’s well-being, Rees and others set up a support group on WhatsApp to offer encouragement and solidarity to the nurse. Text messages exchanged within the group aimed to uplift Letby, assuring her that her nursing team stood firmly behind her during the ordeal. Rees expressed her worry about Letby’s mental state, fearing she may be suicidal given the emotional toll of the situation.
Following Letby’s conviction in 2023, Rees faced external pressure to denounce the nurse publicly. Despite this, Rees maintained her belief in Letby’s innocence, citing her interactions and observations of the nurse’s character. Rees emphasised the importance of trust in the testimony of those who worked closely with Letby, highlighting the insights shared by her ward manager as a key factor in supporting Letby’s innocence.
Despite being unable to attend Letby’s trial or provide evidence on her behalf, Rees remains resolute in her belief that Letby did not commit the crimes she was convicted of. She shared Letby’s repeated assertions of innocence and the trust she placed in the feedback from colleagues regarding Letby’s professional conduct. Rees’s unwavering support for Letby underscores the complex nature of the case and the conflicting perspectives surrounding the convicted nurse’s guilt.
As the debate around Lucy Letby’s case continues, Karen Rees’s testimony provides a compelling insight into the personal dynamics and relationships within the healthcare setting where the tragic events unfolded. The nuanced portrayal of Letby’s character and the supportive efforts made on her behalf add a humanising dimension to a case that has sparked widespread controversy and speculation. Rees’s steadfast belief in Letby’s innocence serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in cases of this nature.