The public inquiry into Lucy Letby’s horrific crimes has uncovered unsettling details, including a conversation in which the former nurse allegedly joked about offering “tips” on how to get away with murder. Letby, who was convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to kill seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital, exchanged messages with a colleague, Hayley Griffiths, that appear chilling in hindsight.
These exchanges occurred a year after Letby was reassigned from her role in the neonatal unit due to doctors’ concerns over a rise in unexplained infant deaths and health collapses. Griffiths, who was aware of the concerns surrounding Letby’s possible involvement, expressed deep regret for her comments, telling the inquiry, “I truly and deeply regret having started that conversation… this is completely unprofessional, poor judgment on my behalf, and completely insensitive.”
Apologies and Remorse
During questioning by Shahram Sharghy, who represents families of Letby’s victims, Griffiths was asked whether she had “made light” of the grave accusations against Letby, which she denied. She apologized tearfully, acknowledging the pain the messages would cause to the victims’ families, saying, “I am so remorseful.”
Griffiths, along with several others in the hospital’s risk and patient safety department, had developed a friendship with Letby after her reassignment. Letby’s parents, John and Susan Letby, had also intervened on their daughter’s behalf during this period, sending a letter to hospital executives in which they argued that she was being unfairly targeted by hospital consultants and labeled a “murderer” by her colleagues.
Letby Family’s Defense
The inquiry was shown the Letby family’s letter, in which they described their devastation at the allegations against their daughter. They claimed she was a victim of scapegoating by consultants, whom they accused of having a “personal grudge” against her. “Our daughter has been to hell and back since July… She has frequently said to us during the last four months, ‘I wouldn’t hurt anything let alone a tiny baby,’” they wrote.
They further expressed their pride in her ability to endure the ordeal, even as her health declined. “We are so proud of how Lucy has conducted herself and endured this nightmare,” they added, questioning why Letby had been singled out.
Sentencing and Lasting Impact
Letby, now serving 15 life sentences for the murder of seven babies and attempted murder of seven others, was convicted following a harrowing trial that uncovered her pattern of targeting infants under her care. The inquiry into the events surrounding her crimes continues, with the aim of uncovering systemic issues and lapses that may have enabled the tragic loss of young lives.
The inquiry’s revelations have further intensified public scrutiny on hospital oversight and the support systems in place to prevent and identify harmful behavior. For the families of Letby’s victims, the pain is still raw, as they continue to seek answers and justice for the unimaginable harm inflicted on their loved ones.
