Public Inquiry Chair Slams Speculation Over Lucy Letby Conviction

The inquiry into Lucy Letby's conviction for murdering seven newborns has drawn scrutiny. The chair of the inquiry censured those questioning her guilt, which has distressed victims' families. The inquiry will evaluate the hospital's response and whether the murders could have been prevented.

The chair of a public inquiry into the murder of seven newborn babies by British nurse Lucy Letby criticised the "noise" from those who had not attended her trial for casting doubt about her guilt, causing distress to the victims' families. Letby, 34, was convicted of murdering seven children and attempting to murder seven more between June 2015 and June 2016 while working in the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Her case shocked Britain and led to a government-ordered inquiry, which began on Tuesday to investigate how the killings went unnoticed and review the hospital's response to concerns about Letby before her arrest. Critics have increasingly scrutinized Letby's conviction, highlighting supposed discrepancies in the medical and statistical evidence presented against her.

Despite assertions of a possible miscarriage of justice, Letby's convictions were upheld by Britain's Court of Appeal. The inquiry, led by senior judge Kathryn Thirlwall, aims not to speculate on Letby's motives but to determine if the murders could have been prevented. Letby was sentenced to life without parole last year and continues to deny harming any children.

(With inputs from agencies.)