On February 4, 2025, an international panel of 14 neonatal and pediatric specialists held a News conference in London, raising serious doubts about the conviction of British nurse Lucy Letby. In 2023, Letby was found guilty of murdering seven babies, but the panel’s extensive review concluded there was no evidence to support the claims against her.
- International panel questions Lucy Letby's conviction
- Dr. Shoo Lee chaired the independent review
- No evidence of murder found in cases
- Serious medical care errors identified
- Review conducted by respected specialists
- Babies had significant pre-existing conditions
Dr. Shoo Lee, the chair of the panel, stated that their independent assessment revealed significant errors in medical care at the hospital and emphasized that some infant deaths were preventable.
The review conducted by the panel included some of the most respected neonatal and pediatric specialists globally. They evaluated all available medical records related to the cases and provided their findings pro bono. Dr. Lee noted that their conclusion was based on a thorough examination of the evidence, stating, “Our conclusion was there was no medical evidence to support malfeasance causing injury in any of the 17 cases in the trial.”
Key findings from the review included:
- No evidence of murder or attempted murder by Letby.
- Serious errors in the treatment and care of infants were identified.
- Some deaths were deemed preventable due to chronic failings in neonatal management.
The panel’s assessment is significant as it challenges the foundation of Letby’s conviction. The specialists highlighted the pre-existing conditions of the infants and the systemic issues within the medical unit where the deaths occurred. Their findings raise questions about the judicial process and the evidence that led to Letby’s conviction.
This independent review casts doubt on the validity of the charges against Lucy Letby, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of medical evidence in similar cases. The implications of these findings may affect public trust in the judicial system and healthcare management.