Cheshire Constabulary have made an arrest in connection with an investigation into corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter at the Countess of Chester Hospital. A former senior leader at the hospital where convicted neonatal nurse Lucy Letby worked has been taken into custody on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.
Arrest Details
Police executed a search warrant at a property on Wednesday 22 April as part of Operation Duet, the ongoing investigation into potential corporate and gross negligence manslaughter at the hospital. The individual arrested was one of three former hospital bosses previously detained in June 2024 on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. Unusually, Cheshire Constabulary declined to disclose the age or gender of the suspect, but confirmed they have been bailed pending further inquiries.
Background of the Case
Lucy Letby, 36, is currently serving a whole-life prison sentence after being convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill seven others between June 2015 and June 2016 at the Countess of Chester Hospital. The former neonatal nurse denies the allegations and is seeking to challenge her convictions through the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which can refer potential miscarriages of justice to the Court of Appeal.
The investigation into corporate manslaughter was launched in October 2023 after Letby's first trial, focusing on senior leadership and decision-making regarding the increased number of baby deaths on the neonatal unit. In March 2025, the inquiry was widened to include gross negligence manslaughter, which centres on individual actions.
Public Inquiry and Legal Proceedings
A public inquiry chaired by Lady Justice Thirlwall, which examined the role of hospital bosses, finished hearing evidence in March 2025 and was due to publish findings in early 2026. However, this week the inquiry stated that work on the report is ongoing and no date for release has been confirmed. The arrests of the three former hospital bosses mean contempt of court restrictions apply to any material that could prejudice a potential jury in a criminal trial.
Letby's Legal Challenges
Letby has twice unsuccessfully attempted to overturn her convictions at the Court of Appeal in London. The CCRC has been examining evidence said to cast doubt on her guilt since February 2024. In January 2025, prosecutors announced that Letby would not face further charges after considering a file of evidence from Cheshire Constabulary. The Crown Prosecution Service had considered 11 new offences, including two murders and two attempted murders, but concluded the evidence did not meet the required test.
