Judge Rejects Request to Pause Lucy Letby Inquiry

Lady Justice Thirlwall confirms the inquiry will proceed, focusing on hospital safeguarding failures, as Letby’s legal team pursues an appeal.

The public inquiry into systemic failures at the Countess of Chester Hospital during Lucy Letby’s tenure will not be paused, per Lady Justice Thirlwall's ruling.
The inquiry centers on hospital staff and management actions during the time Letby committed her crimes, not on the validity of her convictions.
Lucy Letby, serving 15 whole-life sentences for the murder of seven babies and attempted murder of seven others, has submitted a preliminary appeal to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).
An international panel of experts, convened by Letby’s legal team, claims there is no medical evidence supporting her convictions, though this is contested.
The final report of the inquiry, expected in November 2025, aims to address safeguarding failures and recommend measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.