A doctor whose evidence helped convict Lucy Letby says he is 'no longer certain' the nurse murdered seven babies and tried to kill another eight. Dr John Gibbs now believes a retrial is necessary in Letby’s case, saying it would be 'the most appropriate thing for everyone'.
Doctor's change of mind
The retired paediatrician told The Sun: “I hold a very small concern there may not have been any deliberate harm done. If it is the case that Lucy Letby is behind bars for crimes she had not committed, then that’s clearly appalling.”
Dr Gibbs now says 'what really matters is why so many babies collapsed on the neonatal unit in Chester in 2015 and 2016'. He added: “There seems to be an ever-increasing number of experts willing to advance the case for Letby’s innocence. I can see some merit in certain arguments but I also disagree with aspects of many of these opinions.”
However, when asked if he remains certain Letby murdered the babies, he replied 'no'.
Inquiry findings and response
His comments come days after the government inquiry into the Countess of Chester Hospital found NHS bosses could have saved some children had they acted sooner. Lady Justice Thirlwall’s report also said hospital consultant paediatrician Dr Mark Deakin, described as Letby’s 'boyfriend' doctor, 'blurred boundaries' and put his desire to help her above his duties to his patients. Hospital management was also criticised for its response to internal concerns about Letby’s actions.
Health secretary Yvette Cooper has pledged the government will act on its findings, starting with installing 'cot cameras' — a key report recommendation. She said: “Worst of all, the trust repeatedly failed the parent. It failed to keep their beloved babies safe. For parents to be kept in the dark for years about what was happening is, as Lady Justice Thirlwall has said, reprehensible.”
Police review
Cheshire Police also said they will review the contents in light of their ongoing investigations. The force has launched an investigation into the Countess of Chester Hospital, focusing on the senior leadership and decision-making to determine whether any criminality has taken place concerning the response to the increased levels of fatalities.
