September 10th 2024.
The news of Lucy Letby's convictions has sparked intense speculation and commentary, causing additional distress for the families of her victims. As the chair of the public inquiry established to examine the tragic baby murders, Lady Justice Thirlwall expressed her concern for the families affected by this heartbreaking case.
Letby, a former nurse, was found guilty of murdering seven newborns and attempting to kill seven others while working at the Countess of Chester Hospital in 2015 and 2016. Despite losing an appeal earlier this year, there has been a growing demand for a review of her case from various experts, commentators, and political figures. Letby has now appointed a new legal team to apply to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, hoping to have her case sent back to the Court of Appeal.
The inquiry, chaired by Lady Justice Thirlwall, will focus on how Letby was able to carry out these heinous acts and how the hospital's management handled the concerns raised. However, it will not address the question of her guilt. In her opening statement, Lady Justice Thirlwall acknowledged that the recent appeal judgment provided some closure for the victims' parents, but unfortunately, the ongoing speculation has caused them even more pain.
Lady Justice Thirlwall stressed that it is not the inquiry's role to review the convictions, as that has already been done by the Court of Appeal. Instead, the focus should be on answering the parents' questions and providing them with the closure they deserve. She urged everyone involved to stay focused on the inquiry's terms of reference and to avoid adding to the families' suffering.
Rachel Langdale KC, counsel to the inquiry, highlighted the courage of the parents in coming forward to share their heartbreaking experiences. She also emphasized the importance of considering all evidence, both medical and non-medical, to get a complete understanding of the case. Ms. Langdale warned against compartmentalizing evidence, as it could lead to inaccurate and damaging conclusions.
The inquiry will be conducted in three parts. The first part will focus on the experiences of the affected families, while the second part will examine the hospital's response to Letby's actions and how she was able to continue harming babies despite concerns being raised. The third part will look at the wider NHS and its culture, including the relationships between healthcare professionals and the impact on newborn safety.
Ms. Langdale also addressed the issue of motive and mindset, stating that the inquiry will not delve into speculation about Letby's reasons for committing these horrific crimes. The focus will be on understanding how she was able to go undetected for so long and keeping newborns safe in the future.
The inquiry will also examine why detailed medical analysis of the deaths and collapses of babies did not take place earlier and whether there was any bias in favor of Letby. Ms. Langdale noted that it took almost two years for the hospital to make a referral to the police and conduct a thorough medical investigation.
As the inquiry proceedings continue, Lady Justice Thirlwall reminded everyone that the victims, not the perpetrator, are at the heart of this case. She also explained that the inquiry bears her name to spare the parents from repeatedly seeing Letby's name in the media.
In conclusion, Lady Justice Thirlwall announced that the inquiry is expected to finish in early 2025, with the findings to be published by late autumn of that year. The focus remains on providing answers and ensuring the safety of newborns in the future.
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