A married doctor who baby killer Lucy Letby described as her "best friend" and "love" in notes found in her home has died. The registrar, referred to as Doctor A in court, worked with Letby at the Countess of Chester Hospital in 2016, two years before she was first arrested.
Doctor's death and background
The Sun reports the doctor, who was in his 50s, had been ill before his death last month. His funeral has been held. He later worked at a different hospital.
During the investigation, it was found that Letby referred to him as her "love" in her notes, and the pair exchanged more than 1,300 Facebook messages over three months in 2016.
Trial evidence and revelations
The doctor was granted anonymity for Letby's 10-month trial in 2023, on the grounds of protecting his family. Prosecutors referred to him as Letby's "boyfriend" and claimed she was infatuated with him, alleging she would create "crisis situations" by attacking babies, knowing he would be a doctor bleeped to attend.
It was also revealed that the pair went on day trips to London and met for walks and meals. Letby denied any romantic involvement, saying they were simply trusted friends. During the trial, she called him "sweetie" in messages and was seen to weep when he appeared at Manchester Crown Court to give evidence.
Inquiry findings and current status
The Thirlwall Inquiry in 2024 found the doctor had been "misled" and "maybe manipulated" by Letby, and he said he had been tricked into giving her information about babies she had attacked.
Letby is serving a whole-life sentence at Bronzefield Prison in Surrey. She maintains her innocence despite being found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill seven more.
