Lucy Letby: The Shadow of a Doubt?

Double Jeopardy - The Law and Politics Podcast

The case of Lucy Letby generated shock, revulsion and bewilderment, casting a long shadow over the trust that we place in those who care for the most vulnerable.

In the latest episode of Double Jeopardy, Ken and Tim discuss one of the most controversial cases in British legal history—the conviction of Lucy Letby, the neonatal nurse sentenced to 15 whole-life sentences for the murder of seven infants and the attempted murder of eight others.

Ken and Tim explore the widespread media coverage and the intense public reaction to Letby’s case, including the growing number of conspiracy theories that have emerged on the internet as well as more serious articles in reputable media outlets. They critically examine the arguments put forth by those questioning her conviction and discuss the Court of Appeal's comprehensive rejection of her application for leave to appeal and the refusal to admit fresh expert evidence.

They emphasise that any discussion about a miscarriage of justice must start with an understanding of the basis for the Court of Appeal’s rejection of Lucy Letby’s appeal. The episode also touches on the upcoming public inquiry to be Chaired by Lady Justice Thirlwall (which will investigate events at the Countess of Chester hospital and whether the management structure at the hospital contributed to the failure to protect babies from Letby’s actions) and whether the public inquiry has the potential to generate new evidence that may form the basis for a second appeal following a referral by the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

Tim and Ken aim to shed light on the complexity of the case and are critical of those who have questioned Letby’s guilt without understanding the details of the case and the dynamics of a criminal trial. They stress the importance of basing any claims of a miscarriage of justice on a thorough understanding of the evidence, the legal processes involved and especially the details of the 58 page Judgment of the Court of Appeal handed down on 2nd July 2024.

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