UK MP Calls for Lifting of Court Order Blocking Article on Lucy Letby Case

A former government minister has urged for the removal of a court order that has prevented UK readers from accessing a critical article concerning the Lucy Letby murder trial. David Davis, a Conservative MP, utilized parliamentary immunity to question the restriction on an essay in the New Yorker that raised significant doubts about Letby’s conviction.

The 13,000-word article, released recently, scrutinized the trial evidence leading to Letby’s guilty verdict for the murder of several infants and attempted murder of others. Despite this, the UK audience has been unable to view the piece due to a legal ruling, sparking concerns over transparency in the case.

Speaking during a House of Commons session, David Davis highlighted that the article being blocked in the UK appeared to contradict principles of open justice. He urged the Lord Chancellor to investigate the matter and provide feedback to the parliament on the issue.

Responding to the query, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk stressed the importance of following court orders, although he acknowledged that such orders could be challenged through proper legal channels. Chalk emphasized the need to respect the jury’s decision in Letby’s case and stated that any appeals should proceed as per standard procedures.

In August 2023, Letby was convicted of multiple counts of murder and attempted murder while working as a neonatal nurse at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016. She received a whole-life order, ensuring she remains in prison indefinitely.

Letby, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, is facing a retrial next month on one count of attempted murder after the previous jury could not reach a unanimous verdict. She has also sought to appeal her convictions, with the judges currently deliberating on her request.

Simultaneously, the NHS, backed inquiry into Letby’s actions and broader hospital practices is scheduled to commence, focusing on how Letby was able to harm the infants unchecked and evaluating the management effectiveness within the NHS system in handling such incidents.