Judge refutes ‘masonic context’ in Letby advice

A public inquiry has been informed that a judge refuted claims he was approached to provide legal counsel to hospital administrators regarding concerns about nurse Lucy Letby due to his affiliation with Freemasonry. The Thirlwall Inquiry, which is examining the circumstances related to Letby’s offenses, was apprised that both Judge Simon Medland KC and Stephen Cross, who previously served as the Countess of Chester’s former director of corporate and legal services, belong to the organization. During April 2017, Mr. Cross, acting for the hospital, directed Judge Medland to ascertain if sufficient evidence existed to involve the police, following medical professionals expressing apprehensions that the neonatal nurse might be responsible for infant deaths. Judge Medland stated that there was “no masonic context to my instruction”. He further mentioned that he and Mr. Cross “are not members of the same masonic lodge, we are not close friends”. Earlier in the week, the inquiry was informed of “rumours and hearsay” concerning a Freemason affiliation involving a “number of high-ranking people in the hospital and elsewhere”. Dr. Stephen Brearey, a neonatal consultant, indicated his understanding that Mr. Cross had advanced “quite quickly” from a junior role and questioned if appropriate procedures had been adhered to. Dr. Brearey conveyed that individuals at the hospital held the perception that there could be “deals going on behind the scenes”. Richard Baker KC, who represents the families of Letby’s victims, stated that his clients harbored concerns regarding this issue. Judge Medland, who held the position of a barrister in 2017, informed the inquiry that he rejected any implication that Mr. Cross engaged him due to their shared membership in the organization. He asserted, “I can assure you and anybody else who is concerned with this inquiry that I have been entirely candid about that.” He elaborated, “To my mind it’s of no more impact or relevance than for example if we had both had an interest in crown green bowling or church bell ringing.” He added, “He instructed me, I assume, because he thought that I would be able to do a good job.” Furthermore, he stated, “I am not aware of anyone else on the hospital board at all who is a member of the Freemasons, either a man or a woman.” Mr. Cross, who previously served as an officer with Cheshire Constabulary, has not yet testified but has verified his Freemason affiliations within Cheshire in a submitted statement. Following the expression of concerns by medical staff, Letby was reassigned to the hospital’s risk and patient safety department in July 2016. However, instead of immediately contacting the police, hospital management chose to initiate multiple reviews into the rise in deaths on the unit during 2015 and 2016. Judge Medland informed the inquiry that he comprehended the hospital’s executive team’s desire in April 2017 to ascertain if sufficient evidence existed to alert the police. He subsequently advised that “as things stand,” he did not perceive enough information to establish reasonable grounds for suspecting a criminal offense had occurred. He suggested that Detective Chief Superintendent Nigel Wenham, who represented Cheshire Police on the local child death overview panel, be apprised of the situation. Mr. Wenham, who is now retired, convened with consultants and executives later in April and recommended that the hospital formally solicit police intervention, which transpired the subsequent month. Testifying on Wednesday, Mr. Wenham stated that he did not believe he had ever encountered Mr. Cross. Letby, a 34-year-old from Hereford, is currently serving 15 whole-life orders following her conviction at Manchester Crown Court for the murder of seven infants and the attempted murder of seven others, including two attempts on one victim, between June 2015 and June 2016. The inquiry, taking place at Liverpool Town Hall, is anticipated to continue until early 2025, with its conclusions slated for publication by autumn of next year. For more content, listeners can access the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and engage with BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story suggestions can also be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available for review.