Inquiry Suggests Letby “Likely” Attacked More Children Prior to 2015

A public inquiry has heard from a senior doctor, who was instrumental in raising concerns regarding Lucy Letby, that it is “likely” the nurse committed further murders or assaults on children prior to June 2015. Stephen Brearey served as the lead neonatal consultant at the Countess of Chester Hospital, the institution where nurse Letby was found to have murdered seven infants and attempted to murder seven others during the period spanning June 2015 to June 2016. Dr. Brearey headed a team of seven consultants who dedicated several months to expressing their apprehension that Letby was intentionally causing harm to babies. Dr. Brearey stated that “on reflection,” it appeared probable that she had previously attacked and killed infants. The ongoing public inquiry, presided over by High Court judge Lady Justice Thirlwall, is investigating the events and conditions related to Letby’s criminal acts. Dr. Brearey testified: “On reflection I think it’s likely that Letby didn’t start becoming a killer in June 2015, or didn’t start harming babies in June 2015.“I think it’s likely that her actions prior to then over a period of time changed what we perceived to be abnormal.” However, he noted that no one within the hospital had suspected Letby of harming children before that specific date. Dr. Brearey further commented that while the reporting culture on the unit was effective, he believed “in retrospect” that certain incidents occurring between June 2015 and June 2016, and “probably before,” involved infant deteriorations that warranted additional investigation. The inquiry was also informed that the nurse had been moved from the hospital’s neonatal unit to a clerical position in July 2016, following a period in the preceding year when several babies had either died unexpectedly or experienced near-fatal events. The hearing revealed that consultants had insisted on Letby’s removal from her nursing responsibilities. Nevertheless, an internal grievance procedure initiated by Letby was resolved in her favor, thereby clearing the path for her reinstatement to nursing. Subsequently, in January 2017, hospital management convened a meeting with the consultants, during which chief executive Tony Chambers instructed them to issue an apology to Letby and her family. During the same meeting, Karen Rees, who was the head of nursing for the urgent care division, proceeded to read a statement provided by Letby. While providing testimony at the public inquiry in Liverpool, Dr. Brearey stated: “The whole meeting felt choreographed and Karen Rees was quite dramatic in her reading of it. “We were all quite stunned – as a synopsis of executive behaviour I can’t imagine an example of anything more incompetent in the history of the NHS.”How you can start a meeting saying you follow ‘Speak Out Safely’ practices and then tell all seven consultants that have significant concerns that they have to apologise to the person? And that she would be going back to work or else there would be consequences? “It was quite striking and surprising and upsetting for most people there.” Dr. Brearey indicated that during the period when suspicions about Letby were emerging, a breakdown of trust had occurred among the staff members of the unit. He described feeling at times as though he was operating in “North Korea or East Germany,” where he was unable to “have an open conversation” with his colleagues. Dr. Brearey characterized this situation as “really sad.” The inquiry was informed that Dr. Brearey had previously implied that several former senior figures were freemasons. Richard Baker KC, who represents some of the affected babies’ families, questioned the consultant: “You had a sense that there might be some deals going on behind the scenes, some element perhaps of corrupt behaviour?” Dr. Brearey responded, “Yes, people had that impression and there were certainly rumours of that kind”. Earlier in the proceedings, the lead consultant commenced his testimony by offering an apology to the parents of the infants targeted by Letby. He stated: “I’m sorry for my part in not being able to protect your babies,” adding, “I can just say that I tried my best, and I acknowledge that at times my best was not enough.” He concluded with, “I hope you all get the truth and justice that you deserve.” Letby, aged 34 and originating 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 a single victim. The public inquiry, which is being held at Liverpool Town Hall, is anticipated to continue its sessions until early in the new year. The inquiry’s conclusions are expected to be released in the late autumn of 2025.