Conservative former cabinet minister David Davis has accused Cheshire police of making 'egregious' failures during the investigation into Lucy Letby, the nurse convicted of murdering seven babies. Speaking in parliament, Davis claimed Letby had suffered a miscarriage of justice, citing reviews by two former police detectives who initially believed Letby was guilty but now question the case.
Davis criticised the police for launching a criminal investigation after a meeting with two consultants at the Countess of Chester Hospital, focusing too narrowly on Letby rather than examining all factors. He said the force failed to appoint appropriate medical and statistical experts, and did not follow official guidance or best professional practice.
The MP highlighted that the police stood down medical statistician Professor Jane Hutton after initially asking her to examine the increase in deaths, and failed to conduct proper due diligence on the experts they did appoint, including retired paediatrician Dr Dewi Evans.
Davis also argued that Cheshire police failed to learn from their own investigation into Sally Clark, a mother wrongly convicted of killing her two sons in 1999. He said he would call on the director of public prosecutions to review the behaviour of both the Crown Prosecution Service and Cheshire police.
In response, policing minister Sarah Jones said Letby had been convicted following 'a proper process' with a trial by jury and upheld on appeal. She expressed confidence in the effectiveness of Cheshire constabulary.
