Lucy Letby, the nurse accused of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder 10 more at the Countess of Chester Hospital in Cheshire, took the witness stand for the first time to deny harming any infants. Letby, 33, allegedly used methods such as injecting air into the babies or poisoning them with insulin. The prosecution has accused her of being a “constant malevolent presence” in the neo-natal unit. Letby became tearful several times during her testimony, saying that being accused of such crimes was “sickening” and that it was devastating. She also stated that she never intended to harm any baby and that she had only ever done her best to care for them.
Letby revealed that she had cared for hundreds of babies at the hospital, and that she found it traumatising when she was arrested by police on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Her barrister, Ben Meyers KC, asked her about a Post-it note found in a diary during a search of her home, on which she had written, “I am evil I did this” and “I don’t deserve to live. I killed them on purpose because I’m not good enough to care for them. I am a horrible evil person.” However, Letby denied doing anything intentionally to harm the babies and said that she felt she had somehow failed in her duties and competencies.
The trial, which has been ongoing for seven months, continues. Letby, who has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, denies all the allegations against her. The trial has attracted significant media attention and highlights the importance of providing proper care for newborn babies and ensuring the safety of patients in healthcare facilities.
