Written By Lisa Murimi
Nurse Lucy Letby, aged 33, has been found guilty of the murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of six others at the Countess of Chester Hospital, making her the most prolific child serial killer in modern UK history.
The trial, spanning over 10 months, is reportedly the longest murder trial in the country. Despite the verdict, Letby has chosen not to attend her sentencing at Manchester Crown Court, neither in person nor via video link from prison.
This decision prevents her from hearing victim impact statements and the judge’s sentencing remarks.
Letby employed various sinister methods to carry out her crimes, including injecting babies with air, force-feeding their milk, and poisoning some with insulin between June 2015 and June 2016.
Her refusal to appear in court has sparked discussions about the need for legislation compelling convicted criminals to attend their sentencing hearings.
Letby’s absence adds to a series of high-profile cases where convicted murderers have evaded court appearances.
The government has expressed intent to introduce laws enforcing the presence of criminals during sentencing.
Families of the victims have expressed gratitude towards the jurors who endured 145 days of intense evidence.
Although Letby was acquitted of certain charges, further deliberation may decide on the possibility of a retrial for the remaining counts.
The conviction follows a rigorous two-year investigation by Cheshire Police into the sudden and unexplained rise in deaths and collapses of premature infants at the hospital.
As a result, the government has initiated an independent inquiry to uncover the circumstances surrounding these tragic incidents.
