Detectives Launch New Manslaughter Investigations Following Lucy Letby Convictions

Detectives who previously conducted the investigation leading to the conviction of nurse Lucy Letby have now expanded their inquiries to determine if any individuals should be charged with gross negligence manslaughter. Currently, Lucy Letby is serving 15 whole life sentences after being found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more at Chester Hospital nearly ten years ago.

In October 2023, authorities began exploring potential charges of corporate manslaughter against senior leaders at the Countess of Chester Hospital; however, their investigation has now evolved further. Police are now specifically examining whether certain individuals displayed gross negligence through actions or inactions related to these tragic events. According to Cheshire Constabulary, all individuals who have become suspects under this new investigation have been informed accordingly.

The police firmly clarified that this new inquiry into gross negligence manslaughter is distinct from the ongoing corporate manslaughter investigation. They also stressed that it has no effect on Letby's prior convictions for murder and attempted murder. Cheshire Constabulary declined to reveal the number or identities of any suspects at this stage of their inquiry, citing the lack of arrests or charges thus far.

Meanwhile, Lucy Letby, currently 35 and originally from Hereford, continues to contest her guilt. Her legal representatives have submitted an appeal to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, referencing a panel of experts who provided new medical evidence. According to these findings, experts suggest the deaths and injuries to infants at the hospital may have resulted from natural causes or inadequate medical care, rather than criminal actions by Letby.

Additionally, recent testimony at the ongoing Thirlwall public inquiry revealed that the former Chief Executive of the Countess of Chester Hospital, Tony Chambers, had concerns following Letby's initial arrest in July 2018 about a possible wrongful conviction. Earlier this year, consultant Stephen Brearey, one of the first doctors who initially raised concerns regarding Letby in July 2015, advocated for stricter accountability measures, proposing that NHS managers should be regulated as strictly as their medical staff.

The police have underscored that both the corporate manslaughter and gross negligence investigations remain in progress with no set timelines for conclusion. Cheshire Constabulary is also investigating cases of fatalities and non-fatal incidents involving babies at the neonatal units of the Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Women’s Hospital between 2012 and 2016.

While acknowledging widespread public interest in the case, police have cautioned about the importance of maintaining due process. Public authorities urge responsible reporting in order to preserve the integrity of the investigations and to prevent causing additional pain to affected families.