How Lucy Letby Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Lucy Letby—a timeline of influence.

Lucy Letby, a former neonatal nurse in Britain, was convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others between June 2015 and June 2016. Investigations began after an unusual number of infant deaths occurred at the Countess of Chester Hospital's neonatal unit, where Letby worked.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

June 2015: Infant deaths at Countess of Chester Hospital

In June 2015, a high number of unexpected infant deaths occurred at the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital, leading to an investigation of Lucy Letby.

June 2015: Unexpected Infant Deaths

In June 2015, four collapses occurred in the same neonatology unit of Countess of Chester Hospital, resulting in three infant deaths. The unit typically only saw two or three deaths a year.

June 2015: Higher than expected Neonatal death rate

Reports by the nationwide MBRRACE-UK project found a neonatal death rate at least 10% higher than expected between June 2015 and June 2016.

June 2016: Infant deaths at Countess of Chester Hospital

In June 2016, a high number of unexpected infant deaths occurred at the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital, leading to an investigation of Lucy Letby.

July 2016: Scaling Back of Unit Services

In July 2016, Lucy Letby was removed from the unit, working her last shift there on June 30th, and the unit's services were scaled back by hospital managers on July 7th, 2016, cutting cot space numbers and increasing the gestational age limit for admission.

September 2016: RCPCH Service Review Initiated

In September 2016, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) was tasked with a general review of the unit's service, and the review was initiated.

October 2016: RCPCH Report

In October 2016, the RCPCH reported they could not find a definitive explanation for the increase in mortality rate at the unit, but found insufficient staffing and senior cover. They also praised Lucy Letby's nursing skills.

January 2017: Grievance Upheld

In January 2017, Lucy Letby's grievance was upheld by the board, which determined her removal had been "orchestrated by the consultants with no hard evidence".

May 2017: Public Announcement of Police Involvement

In May 2017, the trust publicly announced the involvement of the police, stating this move was to "seek assurances that enable us to rule out unnatural causes of death."

2018: Arrest

In 2018, Lucy Letby was arrested.

November 2020: Letby Charged with Murder and Attempted Murder

In November 2020, Lucy Letby was charged with seven counts of murder and fifteen counts of attempted murder relating to seventeen babies and pleaded not guilty.

August 2023: David Wilson's Opinion Piece and Newsnight Discussion

In August 2023, David Wilson published an opinion piece suggesting Lucy Letby had a "hero complex". He also discussed Letby on Newsnight, arguing healthcare killers target vulnerable victims.

August 2023: Letby's Sentencing and Government Response

In August 2023, Lucy Letby did not attend her sentencing hearing. In response, the government considered changing the law to compel defendants to attend. On 30 August 2023, Rishi Sunak announced legislation to compel attendance, with potential force and added prison time.

August 2023: Letby Found Guilty

In August 2023, Lucy Letby was found guilty on seven counts each of murder and attempted murder.

August 2023: Letby Sentenced to Life Imprisonment

On 21 August 2023, Lucy Letby received a whole life order, the most severe sentence in English law. Justice Goss described her actions as a "cruel, calculated and cynical campaign of child murder" with no remorse or mitigating factors.

August 2023: Inquiry Upgraded to Statutory Inquiry

On 30 August 2023, Health Secretary Steve Barclay upgraded the inquiry to a statutory inquiry, compelling witnesses to give evidence.

September 2023: CPS Confirmed Retrial on Attempted Murder Count

On 25 September 2023, the CPS confirmed a retrial on one of the attempted murder counts against Lucy Letby where the jury couldn't reach a verdict. This retrial was scheduled after the appeal decision.

October 2023: Corporate Manslaughter Investigation Announced

In October 2023, on the 4th, Cheshire Constabulary announced an investigation into corporate manslaughter at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

December 2023: Letby Removed from Nursing Register

In December 2023, on the 12th, Lucy Letby was removed from the nursing register. She did not accept guilt but did not contest the removal.

2023: Media Reports on Concerns

In 2023, reports from The Guardian and The Times stated that Stephen Brearey was suspicious of Letby beginning in 2015 and accused the hospital of negligence for ignoring his concerns.

January 2024: Letby Applies for Permission to Appeal

In January 2024, Lucy Letby applied to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal her convictions, but the judge refused.

May 2024: Report in The New Yorker

In May 2024, staff writer Rachel Aviv for The New Yorker reported that a study of infant deaths in southeast London found that about half of unexpected infant collapses remain unexplained after an autopsy.

May 2024: Permission to Appeal Refused

In May 2024, the Court of Appeal, consisting of three judges, refused Lucy Letby permission to appeal her convictions.

July 2024: Letby convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to life imprisonment

In July 2024, Lucy Letby was convicted of an attempted murder charge on which the jury had previously failed to find a verdict. She was then sentenced to life imprisonment with a whole life order.

July 2024: Letby Found Guilty and Sentenced

In July 2024, Lucy Letby was found guilty of attempted murder on 2 July and sentenced to another whole-life order on 5 July 2024.

September 2024: Government Inquiry into Deaths

In September 2024, the British government commissioned an independent statutory inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths associated with Lucy Letby; hearings began in September 2024.

October 2024: Letby Applies for Permission to Appeal

On 24 October 2024, Lucy Letby applied for permission to appeal her conviction, citing prejudicial media coverage. The Court of Appeal rejected her application.

2024: Proposed Legislation Regarding Criminal Sentencing

In 2024, a new clause was proposed to the criminal justice bill that would compel convicted criminals to attend their sentencing hearings, by force if necessary, or face the prospect of more time in prison.