Her actions shocked the nation to its core. How could a trusted and seemingly dedicated nurse kill seven babies and attempt to murder six more in a hospital’s neonatal unit? But as we try to understand the depths of Lucy Letby’s depravity, the questions remain about her motive and how an apparently “ordinary” young woman turned into a cold, calculating killer.
One man who has more insight than most is criminal psychologist Dr David Holmes who says Letby is “an actress, who has been pretending to be a human being and has done this most of her life”.
She was not, however, born to kill babies.
“I believe she was born with the brain configuration of a psychopath,” says Dr Holmes. “Someone born with this learns to deal with it in many ways. There are many out there – some are CEOs of large companies – and sometimes their lack of empathy for others shows through.
“Those who come to our attention are serial killers – and I do mean serial killers. Not just killers, because people can kill for various reasons, but someone who goes on to kill again and again is someone with a lack of feeling for others, a level of insensitivity.”
Last week at Manchester Crown Court, Letby was handed a whole-life order for every charge she faced, meaning she will die behind bars.
The 33-year-old nurse targeted babies between June 2015 and June 2016 at the Countess of Chester Hospital, force-feeding infants milk, poisoning them with insulin or injecting them with air.
Dr Holmes says it’s likely Letby went through life “manipulating people by playing a very nice person”, finding purpose and power in her controlling nature within her nursing role.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT
Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can improve digestion, boost immunity and enhance your overall wellbeing
Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex
Mirelle Mateus eventually broke away from her abusive relationship, but Aaron Romo wasn't prepared to accept it was over
'The win changed our lives for the better'
While most people would regard a lottery windfall as the best news ever, for others it can lead them on a downward spiral
Struggling in silence
With many men still finding it hard to talk about their mental health, the Movember charity warns that suicide is on the rise
"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"
MAFS UK's Lacey Martin on her time on the show and her battle with endometriosis
'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'
Bake Off finalist Ruby Bhogal tells us about her \"big fat Indian wedding\" and why she'd be great in the jungle
'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life
This Morning's Josie Gibson tells new about stealing food on I'm A Celeb and who she can't wait to watch this year
Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch
Cleaning guru Mrs Hinch's third pregnancy could lead to a 'baby pact' with her good friend Stacey Solomon, a source tells new - and new career opportunities
Meghan fears Harry having to exit US
The Sussexes are worried about incoming president Donald Trump's vow to consider deporting Harry over his visa drama and previous drug use, a source tells new
'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'
Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and his wife Michelle talk about how technology is helping their youngest son