It was reported last week that Letby’s application to appeal all of her criminal convictions has been denied by a Judge.

Letby was convicted of seven baby murders and six attempted baby murders in summer 2023 and sentenced to life imprisonment on all counts in August 2023. Following her conviction, Letby applied to the Court of Appeal to appeal her convictions. 

This denied request to appeal can be heard again at a full Court hearing if Letby applies to do this within 14 days.

Letby’s convictions caused public outrage with many questions unanswered as to how these crimes were able to happen. An independent inquiry was considered. However, following Letby’s sentence on 21 August, there was much speculation as to whether an Independent Inquiry would be adequate enough to provide the answers to the questions that so many have, in particular the families directly impacted by her actions. It was agreed that a Public Inquiry was needed.

Operation Hummingbird, a police investigation, identified a further 4000 families that may have been affected by care provided at the Hospital Trusts where Letby worked. It is not clear whether all of these families were directly treated by Letby but it was clear from the investigation that a Public Inquiry should be authorised.

A Public Inquiry was opened and is now led by Lady Justice Thirlwall, who is determined to seek answers as to why Letby was able to the commit the crimes she did. It is reported that the Public Inquiry hearings will take place in autumn 2024.

At Switalskis we hope that the Inquiry will demonstrate honesty and co-operation from not only the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust but the wider NHS group and ultimately result in some accountability being taken for any issues that are identified.

We understand how difficult this inquiry will be and we continue to support the families we currently represent through the inquiry and with their civil claims.

We reach out and invite anyone who may have been impacted by the care received at the Countess of Chester Hospital and/or Liverpool women’s hospital to get in touch for further advice and support. We are here for you. Call 0800 138 0458 or email help@switalskis.com .