Unfair to accuse Letby without proof - inquiry

Source of the image: Cheshire Constabulary

Lucy Letby was taken into custody by the police at her residence in 2018.

A senior nurse informed the inquiry into Lucy Letby's actions that it wouldn't have been just to accuse the nurse of injuring infants without any evidence, despite the fact that doctors had previously expressed worries.

An investigation conducted by Lady Justice Thirlwall is examining how Letby managed to kill and injure infants at the Countess of Chester Hospital during 2015 and 2016.

Letby, who hails from Hereford, was found guilty of killing seven infants and trying to kill seven more, one of whom she made two attempts on. She is now facing 15 life sentences without the possibility of parole.

During the Liverpool hearing, it was revealed that worries about the nurse had been expressed as far back as October 2015.

Anne Murphy, who was the head nurse for pediatric care at the time, was questioned about any worries she might have had about Letby after a consultant expressed concern upon discovering that Letby was on duty during the incidents of unexpected deaths.

Mrs. Murphy expressed that she had no worries since there was no evidence to suggest Letby was putting the babies at risk.

She expressed to the investigation, "As nurses, we didn't believe we had the basis to claim she caused any real harm without proof."

The nurse mentioned that various factors have been linked to the babies' deaths, and there were no problems identified during the autopsies that were performed at that time.

Nicholas de la Poer, a lawyer involved in the inquiry, questioned Mrs. Murphy about whether it was necessary to have solid evidence before taking steps to ensure the safety of babies, considering the situation.

Picture credit: Cheshire Police

Letby has been sentenced to 15 life sentences without the possibility of parole for her offenses.

Mrs. Murphy expressed, "When someone is possibly being accused of doing something wrong, I believe we should definitely have evidence."

The investigation revealed that Mrs. Murphy was presented with a chart created by a coworker, indicating that Letby was working during the time of the sudden deaths.

In January 2016, the records were revised, showing that Letby was present during the time when two more fatalities took place since October 2015.

She was asked what she thought when she saw the table.

Mrs. Murphy stated, "At that point, it was widely believed that a complete review was necessary. It wasn't just about the nurse who might have been involved; we needed to examine all aspects, including care practices, existing standards, and infection control matters."

"There was still no proof that she had acted improperly."