Police investigating the hospital where Lucy Letby murdered seven babies have widened the scope of their probe to include gross negligence manslaughter. An investigation into corporate manslaughter was launched in October 2023 after Letby’s conviction. But Cheshire Constabulary has now widened it to examine whether gross negligence manslaughter occurred.
Det Supt Paul Hughes said in a statement: « This is a separate offence to corporate manslaughter and focuses on the grossly negligent action or inaction of individuals. It is important to note this does not impact on the convictions of Lucy Letby for multiple offences of murder and attempted murder. »
He added: « Those identified as suspects have been notified. We will not be confirming the number of people involved or their identity as no arrests or charges have yet been made.
« Both the corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter elements of the investigation are continuing and there are no set timescales for these. »
The detective said an investigation into the deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the neo-natal units of both the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Liverpool Women’s Hospital between the period of 2012 to 2016 is also ongoing.
He added: « Our priority is to maintain the integrity of our ongoing investigations and to support the many families who are at the heart of these.
« There is a significant public interest in the reporting of these matters, however, every story that is published, statement made, or comment posted online that refers to the specific details of a live investigation can impede the course of justice and cause further distress to the families concerned. »
Letby, 35, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders after being convicted at Manchester Crown Court of killing seven babies and attempting to murder seven others between June 2015 and June 2016. She made two attempts on one of her victims.
Gross negligence manslaughter is different to corporate manslaughter as it relates directly to an individual at fault.
Corporate manslaughter is focused on the management of a company found to be at fault and the precautions set up to ensure an adequate duty of care.
Conviction for a gross negligence manslaughter offence can result in up to 18 years in prison in cases of the most serious culpability.
An international panel of neonatologists and paediatric specialists told reporters last month that bad medical care and natural causes were the reasons for the collapses and deaths.
Their evidence has been passed to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, which investigates potential miscarriages of justice. Letby’s legal team hope her case will be referred back to the Court of Appeal.
A public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Letby’s crimes is due to reconvene for closing submissions at Liverpool Town Hall on March 17. Lady Justice Thirlwall’s findings are expected in the autumn.
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