Lucy Letby to Face Retrial for the Attempted Murder of Baby

By Abbie Lord

Prosecutors met at Manchester Crown Court to decide whether Lucy Letby will face re-trial for several allegations that the jury were unable to reach a verdict on last month.

Lucy Letby was a neo-natal nurse at the Countess of Chester hospital, during her time at the hospital Letby was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six more between 2015 and 2016.

She was handed a whole life order on the 21st of August and is only 1 of 4 women to have ever received such an order, now joining the likes of Rose West and Myra Hindley – this order has shackled her the title of Britain's most Prolific Child Serial killer in modern history.

The Department of Health has previously said that an independent inquiry will be held into Letby’s case.

During 2015 and 2016 less than 5 years into the young nurse's employment at the Countess of Chester hospital concerns were raised when Letby was seen to be repeatedly present when unexpected collapses took place.

To this day Letby has denied all the allegations against her.

On Monday the 25th of September the Crown prosecution service outlined how they wish to proceed with the six outstanding allegations that the jury of Seven women and four men could not reach a verdict on.

Letby appeared to the court via video link at HMP New Hall in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, accompanied by a guard.

Throughout the length of the hearing the court only heard Letby’s voice once to declare that she could hear what was being said.

The prosecutor Nicholas Johnson KC confirmed to the crown that they wish to pursue retrial on a single count – Child K a baby girl.

The court heard that a provisional trial date of the 10th of June 2024 will be set, with an estimated length of two to three weeks.

Prior to the hearing held in late September, the 33-year-old nurse from Hereford lodged an appeal against her conviction – which no date has been set.

When a defendant placed an application to appeal against a crown court decision they are considered by a judge without a hearing, this could be refused, and if it is refused Letby will have the right renew her bid for permission at a full court hearing before two or three judges.