Questions unanswered - Inquiry offers insights - but may be missing crucial issues
The Guardian|October 25, 2024
During the two criminal trials of the nurse Lucy Letby, jurors were given a huge volume of complex evidence including tens of thousands of pages of medical notes, swipecard data, witness testimony, Facebook messages and more.
Josh Halliday
Questions unanswered - Inquiry offers insights - but may be missing crucial issues

Letby, now 34, was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder another seven on the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester hospital in north-west England.

Those convictions are now the subject of intense debate.

Some experts have questioned the medical science and other evidence used in the trials. Yet four of Britain's most senior judges have ruled there are - at present - no grounds for appeal. A fresh legal challenge is being prepared by Letby's new barrister.

As concerns surrounding the convictions grow, a public inquiry is examining the events surrounding the spike in premature baby deaths at the hospital. It is not engaging with the question of whether the nurse is guilty in the first place.

Over the course of five weeks at Liverpool town hall, the inquiry under Lady Justice Thirlwall has uncovered new details about Letby, the neonatal unit on which she worked, and the shocking experiences of the bereaved families at the heart of this scandal.

For some, this new evidence - most of which was not heard during the criminal trials - will help explain how this young university-educated nurse was able, in the words of one detective, to "operate in plain sight".

To others, it may strengthen their belief that these tragic events had a more innocent explanation.

Here is what we have learned so far from the inquiry.

Letby's character
Jurors who sat through Letby's original 10-month trial were given only glimpses of her personality in the dock. None of her family, friends or colleagues who had stood by her took to the witness box to give evidence in her defence, so it was Letby herself who had to paint the picture. Her 14 days of testimony left many in court with more questions than answers.

Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin October 25, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin October 25, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE GUARDIAN DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Patience finally snapped at Old Trafford after bosses grew tired of the excuses
The Guardian

Patience finally snapped at Old Trafford after bosses grew tired of the excuses

There were plenty of times over the past 14 months when sacking Erik ten Hag would have been justified but Manchester United clung on in the hope he could somehow turn things around.

time-read
3 dak  |
October 29, 2024
Ten Hag saga is major black eye for Ineos as United's brand is dying
The Guardian

Ten Hag saga is major black eye for Ineos as United's brand is dying

Ratcliffe now has a hugely important decision if his club are to stop being a fading heritage exhibition

time-read
5 dak  |
October 29, 2024
The Guardian

Taking United job would be enormous risk for Amorim

job would be enormous risk for Amorim

time-read
3 dak  |
October 29, 2024
The Guardian

A view from the stands Going full Woodward is incompetent or cowardly

It was about half an hour after the final whistle at the FA Cup final when I had my exchange with Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

time-read
2 dak  |
October 29, 2024
Van Nistelrooy has learned from the very best coaches
The Guardian

Van Nistelrooy has learned from the very best coaches

Dutchman took inspiration from Bielsa, Ferguson, Simeone and Robson in developing his own style

time-read
4 dak  |
October 29, 2024
Rodri and Bonmati scoop top prizes as Real boycott big night
The Guardian

Rodri and Bonmati scoop top prizes as Real boycott big night

Rodri and Aitana Bonmati have been named winners at the 2024 Ballon d'Or at football's annual awards ceremony in Paris, their trophies handed out at the end of a bizarre day in which Real Madrid's delegation opted not to attend.

time-read
2 dak  |
October 29, 2024
Stanway: Lionesses must evolve as plateau is 'inevitable'
The Guardian

Stanway: Lionesses must evolve as plateau is 'inevitable'

Georgia Stanway said it is \"inevitable\" that England will plateau after their huge success and that they need to reinvent themselves to avoid becoming predictable.

time-read
2 dak  |
October 29, 2024
Everything's starting to come together
The Guardian

Everything's starting to come together

Jack Draper's improvement in his breakthrough season has resulted from his greater fearlessness under pressure

time-read
3 dak  |
October 29, 2024
Verstappen's ruthless streak on show again in Norris battle
The Guardian

Verstappen's ruthless streak on show again in Norris battle

Two races and two flashpoints, the world championship battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris is in full flow.

time-read
3 dak  |
October 29, 2024
Curry poised for England return against All Blacks
The Guardian

Curry poised for England return against All Blacks

Sale flanker expected to start after recovery from hip injury that threatened his career

time-read
3 dak  |
October 29, 2024