The parents of a baby cared for by convicted serial killer nurse Lucy Letby have described her as an 'angel' who 'saved their child twice'. Clare and Carl, whose daughter Jessica was born at the Countess of Chester Hospital a decade ago while Letby worked there, expressed their unwavering support for the nurse.
Parents Defend Letby
Letby, Britain's most prolific child killer, received 14 whole-life orders in 2024 for the murders of seven babies and the attempted murders of six others at the hospital's neonatal unit between June 2015 and June 2016. Despite these convictions, the couple insists Letby would never harm a child, claiming she saved their daughter's life on two occasions when she struggled to breathe.
Carl recounted a moment when Letby brought Jessica to their room after she was discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit. 'Lucy Letby was the one who brought Jessica up to our room in the ward when she was free out of the NICU to come up and sit with us. She delivered her to us and that was a very short, quick interaction as well. She's just, "Here's your baby", kind of thing. "She's all yours".'
Appearance on Amanda Knox Podcast
The couple appeared on a podcast hosted by Amanda Knox, who was wrongfully convicted and later cleared of killing British student Meredith Kercher in Italy in 2007. Carl described Letby as part of one of the 'best moments of his life' and admitted to experiencing survivors' guilt after their child survived.
Carl also accused the hospital of scapegoating Letby for institutional failures. 'I'd say I'm over 90% sure that they've blamed bad management and bad procedures and badly run units on one individual. They've seen an opportunity to scapegoat somebody,' he said.
Appeal Efforts
Letby has sought permission to appeal her convictions. Her initial application in September 2023 was refused. In February 2025, an application was made to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) on her behalf. The CCRC stated in February 2026 that 'additional material has been sent to us' and that 'a review of Ms Letby's convictions is underway.'
The CCRC emphasised its role: 'It is not for the CCRC to determine innocence or guilt in a case; that's a matter for the courts. It is for the CCRC to find, investigate and if appropriate, refer potential miscarriages of justice to the appellate courts when new evidence or new argument means there is a real possibility that a conviction will not be upheld, or a sentence reduced. We make impartial, evidence-based decisions. We do not make decisions on the basis of external pressure from anyone.'
Letby remains incarcerated at HMP Low Newton in Brasside, County Durham. Metro has contacted the Countess of Chester Hospital for comment.
