Lucy Letby sentenced for attempted murder of premature baby

A former neonatal nurse has been handed a whole life order for attempting to murder a newborn baby girl.

Today (Friday 5 July) Lucy Letby, formerly of Arran Avenue, Hereford, was sentenced during a hearing at Manchester Crown Court.

Earlier this week the 34-year-old was convicted of attempting to murder the premature baby just hours after she was born.

In August 2023, Letby was sentenced to 14 whole life orders, after being convicted of the murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of six others at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016.

The jury failed to reach a verdict on an allegation of attempted murder of Baby K and a decision was taken to hold a re-trial.

During the sentencing hearing Mr Justice Goss KC said that the impact of Letby’s crimes has been immense.

He said she had ’coldly denied any responsibility for any wrongdoing, had showed no remorse and there are no mitigating factors’.

Following the hearing, Deputy Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Evans, said:

“Today, Lucy Letby has been handed another whole life order for attempting to murder a tiny, premature baby.

“This sentence once again reflects the true scale and gravity of her horrific crimes.

“It also highlights the torturous journey that Baby K’s parents have had to endure at court – sitting and listening to extremely upsetting and distressing evidence about their newborn daughter – against constant denials from Letby. They have had to do this not once, but twice.

“Nothing will take away the pain and suffering that they have had to experience but I hope that the significant sentence and the fact that Letby will spend the rest of her life behind bars will bring some comfort in their darkest hours.

“Baby K’s mum showed unbelievable strength and courage today as she read out her victim impact statement to a packed court room – and in front of Letby. It was truly heartbreaking to listen to and is a stark reminder of the pain and suffering that she has had to endure – along with her husband – over a very long period of time.

“I would like to thank them for putting their trust in us and supporting this investigation – you are truly remarkable and will always have a place in our hearts.”

Pictured -  The graphic represents the 17 babies who were part of the original trial in this case. It features the Cheshire Constabulary Crest surrounded by 17 ribbons – pink for girls and blue for boys. The ribbons are in the order of the babies on the indictment.

Picture Credit - Cheshire Constabulary.