CPS Declines Further Prosecution of Serial Killer Lucy Letby
Police authorities have expressed profound disappointment after the Crown Prosecution Service announced that serial killer Lucy Letby will face no further criminal charges. The decision comes despite Cheshire Constabulary submitting what they described as a "full file of evidence" to prosecutors in July 2025, confident it met the required charging standards.
Evidential Threshold Not Met According to Prosecutors
Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, confirmed that after thorough review, the evidence did not satisfy the evidential test required for prosecution. The CPS considered potential charges relating to two infant deaths and seven non-fatal collapses at both the Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Women's Hospital.
"We concluded that the evidential test was not met in any of those cases," Ferguson stated. "This decision was made independently, based on the evidence and in line with our legal test."
Police Express Disappointment at Outcome
Cheshire Police responded to the announcement with clear disappointment, noting this was "not the outcome we had anticipated" throughout their investigation. The force had submitted files for charging decisions concerning nine babies, including consideration of nine attempted murder offences and two murder charges.
"We believed the evidence submitted met the CPS charging standard," police officials stated. "The CPS did not agree and despite our representations we must respect the decision that has been made."
Background of Letby's Previous Convictions
Lucy Letby, 36, is currently serving 15 whole-life orders following her conviction for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one victim. Her crimes occurred while she worked as a nurse at the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016.
The former nurse, originally from Hereford, has consistently maintained her innocence but lost two bids last year to challenge her convictions at the Court of Appeal. Her original trial represented one of the longest-running murder trials in British criminal history.
Separate Investigations Continue Unaffected
Police emphasised that the CPS decision will not impact other ongoing investigations, particularly Operation Duet - their inquiry into corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter at the Countess of Chester Hospital. These remain entirely separate investigations with different legal considerations.
Cheshire Police added: "Today's announcement does not affect or undermine the convictions of Lucy Letby for multiple murders and attempted murders of premature babies following an extensive investigation and two criminal trials."
Families Offered Detailed Explanations
The CPS confirmed they have written to all families involved in the latest review and will offer meetings to explain their decision-making process in greater detail. Police also requested that the public respect the privacy and feelings of affected families during this difficult period.
"There will be some who will feel that this is news worth celebrating," police noted. "We do not share this view and would ask that people respect the privacy and feelings of the families involved."
Investigators expressed gratitude to experts and witnesses who contributed to the investigation, acknowledging their invaluable input in answering difficult questions on behalf of the affected families.
