Convicted child murderer Lucy Letby is marking her 36th birthday behind bars this Sunday in what her barrister describes as a "bleak" existence with no celebrations. This January 4th will be her fifth consecutive birthday in custody since being remanded in 2020.
A Birthday Defined by Locked Doors and Routine
Letby, who is serving 15 whole-life terms for the murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of seven others, will see in the day at HMP Bronzefield. Her lawyer, Mark McDonald, stated there will be no "cake or candles" for the former nurse, whose convictions relate to her time working at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
"Instead, there will be locked doors, regimented routines, and the reality of a whole life sentence," Mr McDonald said. He described the occasion as a "cruel reminder" of her imprisonment, with no opportunity to see friends, receive calls from family, or enjoy any normal birthday comforts.
The Ongoing Fight for a Case Review
Letby's legal team continues to campaign for her release, maintaining her innocence. The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is currently examining evidence submitted by an international panel of doctors. This evidence suggests that poor medical care and natural causes were to blame for the infant deaths and collapses.
However, lawyers representing the families of Letby's victims have strongly criticised this move. They labelled the panel's findings as "full of analytical holes" and a mere rehash of defence arguments already rejected by the courts during her two trials at Manchester Crown Court.
Richard Baker KC, for some of the families, stated last March that Letby would have a "serious mountain to climb" to convince the CCRC or the Court of Appeal. He accused her of trying to "cynically change the narrative" through publicity.
Potential Further Charges and Family Anguish
In a further development, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed in July that it is carefully considering evidence from Cheshire Constabulary regarding additional allegations. These concern baby deaths and collapses at both the Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Women's Hospital, where Letby previously worked as a trainee.
The mother of a baby boy Letby was convicted of trying to murder expressed deep upset over the campaign for a review. "Every aspect of what they are doing is so disrespectful," she said, adding that the families believe in the British justice system and the jury's right decision.
Despite losing two bids to challenge her convictions at the Court of Appeal in 2024, Letby's barrister, Mark McDonald, hopes this "bleak" birthday will be her last in prison. He expressed a desire that "an innocent woman will be well on her path to freedom" before she turns 37.
