The parents of convicted nurse Lucy Letby have launched a scathing attack on Netflix over a forthcoming documentary about their daughter, describing it as a "complete invasion of privacy" and warning that watching it would "probably kill us". Susan and John Letby, who have steadfastly maintained their daughter's innocence throughout her trial and conviction, expressed profound distress at the streaming giant's decision to air previously unseen footage, including scenes from her arrest at their family home.
Parents Stand Firm Amidst National Horror
Lucy Letby, the 36-year-old former neonatal nurse dubbed the 'Angel of Death', was convicted in 2024 of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016. She received 15 whole-life sentences for these harrowing crimes, which sent shockwaves across the nation and sparked intense debate about patient safety and institutional failings within the NHS.
Throughout the lengthy legal proceedings, her parents, Susan, 66, and John, 80, have remained unwavering in their support. They attended every court hearing, relocated from their home in Hereford to Manchester to be closer to the trial, and have consistently proclaimed their belief in her innocence. Their loyalty stands in stark contrast to the overwhelming evidence presented during the trial, which painted a chilling picture of calculated harm on the neonatal unit.
A Documentary That Crosses the Line
Netflix's documentary, titled The Investigation of Lucy Letby and scheduled for release on February 4th, promises to delve into the divisive case with new material. According to trailers, it will feature "never before released publicly" footage, including police interviews and the moment of Letby's arrest. It is this inclusion of private, domestic footage that has ignited the fury of her parents.
In a powerful statement to the Sunday Times, the couple articulated their anguish. "The previous programmes made about Lucy, including Panorama and the almost nightly news showing her being brought out handcuffed in a blue tracksuit, are heartbreaking for us," they said. "However, this Netflix documentary is on another level. We had no idea they were using footage in our house. We will not watch it – it would likely kill us if we did."
Fears of Becoming a 'Tourist Attraction'
The Letbys have raised serious concerns about the consequences of broadcasting such intimate footage. They have questioned why police authorities released the video of their daughter's arrest, which took place within their own home, fearing it could transform their private residence into a morbid "tourist attraction" for the curious and the ghoulish.
This public airing of their most private moments represents, in their view, an unforgivable violation. "We are so proud of you," read a notice the couple once placed in a local newspaper to celebrate their only child's graduation in Child Nursing from the University of Chester. That pride has now been eclipsed by a very public nightmare, compounded by what they see as media exploitation.
The Family Behind the Headlines
Lucy Letby was born in Hereford in 1990, just six months after her parents married. Described by neighbours as "doting", Susan and John raised their daughter in a semi-detached house in a quiet cul-de-sac. She was the first in her wider family to attend university, and her parents even helped her purchase a home close to the hospital where she worked.
Neighbours have expressed deep sympathy for the couple, with one remarking after the arrest: "Her parents absolutely doted on her, it'll be the end of them. I feel so sorry for them, but I also feel so sorry for all those parents who have lost their babies." This sentiment captures the profound duality of the tragedy – the devastation for the victims' families and the utter ruin of the Letbys' world.
Controversy and Ongoing Inquiry
The case remains mired in controversy, with a small but vocal group maintaining that Letby is a victim of a grave miscarriage of justice. The nation awaits the findings of Lady Justice Thirlwall's independent inquiry, which was established to investigate how the crimes were able to occur and whether opportunities to stop them were missed. The report, initially expected in late 2025, has been delayed, leaving critical questions about hospital governance and oversight unanswered.
As Netflix prepares to stream its documentary, the chasm between public fascination and private grief has never been wider. For Susan and John Letby, the programme is not an exploration of justice but a painful invasion that threatens their very wellbeing, marking another devastating chapter in a story that has already robbed multiple families of their children.
