Lucy Letby Murder Inquiry Upgraded to Statutory, Compelling Witnesses to Give Evidence
The Lucy Letby murder inquiry has been upgraded to a statutory investigation, with witnesses now compelled to provide evidence under oath. This decision comes in response to mounting pressure from the families of the victims. The inquiry will examine the circumstances surrounding the murders of seven babies and the attempted murders of six others, which were committed by Letby, a serial killer nurse, at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay announced the upgrade after listening to the concerns expressed by the victims’ families. They had apprehensions that the original probe lacked the necessary legal powers to uncover a potential cover-up within the NHS. Mr. Barclay expressed his sympathy for the families of the victims, acknowledging the heinous nature of Letby’s crimes. He stated, Following her conviction, we announced an inquiry and said the nature of this inquiry would be shaped by the families. Having now discussed this with the families, we will launch a full statutory inquiry giving it the legal powers to compel witnesses to give evidence. The Secretary of Health believes that this statutory public inquiry will provide the families with the answers they seek and ensure that lessons are learned from this tragic case.
By upgrading the inquiry to a statutory one, witnesses, including current and former staff of the Countess of Chester Hospital Trust, will be legally obliged to testify. This step will also ensure that the evidence is presented publicly, unless the Inquiry chair decides otherwise.
The government’s decision to upgrade the inquiry comes on the heels of an announcement that criminals will be forced into the courtroom to hear their sentences. This change in legislation follows Letby’s refusal to attend her own hearing, sparking outrage and renewed calls for the lawmakers to expedite the promised legal alteration.
Lucy Letby, aged 33, was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six others earlier this month. However, she declined to appear at her sentencing, leading to public outcry and renewed demands for a change in the law.
While a statutory inquiry may take longer to conclude than a non-statutory one, it grants the necessary powers to compel witnesses to testify. The upgrade also ensures transparency as evidence is presented in public, safeguarding the interests of the families affected by Letby’s appalling crimes.
As the inquiry progresses under its new statutory status, it is hoped that the truth will be fully revealed and that justice will be served for the victims and their grieving families.
