Supporters of Lucy Letby, the convicted baby murderer serving 15 life sentences, have taken their obsession to unsettling new heights—touring places she used to frequent, from her old home to the hospital where she worked.
The 35-year-old former nurse is currently locked up in HMP Bronzefield after being found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to kill eight more. But despite her conviction, an increasing number of people have started questioning her guilt, fuelling a growing campaign for her release.
Some of her most dedicated supporters have gone as far as visiting her old stomping grounds, including the semi-detached house in Chester where she lived during the time of the murders. Others have made trips to the Countess of Chester Hospital, where the horrific crimes took place.
In a Facebook group dedicated to Letby, one person excitedly shared: “I’ve been in Chester visiting Lucy’s old haunts. I’ll be there again – definitely want to visit the house”, reported Daily Star.
In an even more bizarre show of support, some fans gathered in a pub where Letby once celebrated her birthday, toasting her with prosecco and waving banners in her honour. Photos of the event, held in January, quickly sparked fury, with a friend of one of Letby’s victims slamming the gathering: “What’s next? Do we have celebrations for Myra Hindley and Ian Brady?”
While most people struggle to comprehend how anyone could defend Letby, some medical experts have stepped forward to challenge the original case. Last month, neonatologist Dr Shoo Lee, along with other medics, suggested that the infants’ deaths between June 2015 and June 2016 could have been the result of poor hospital conditions, including infections from sinks and mistakes made by overstretched staff.
Even Ken Macdonald KC, who initially backed the prosecution, has since admitted that Dr Lee’s findings “comprehensively trashed the prosecution case.”
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which investigates potential miscarriages of justice, is now reviewing Letby’s case. Given the sheer amount of complex evidence involved, it could take some time before a decision is made on whether her conviction should be challenged.
Adding to the controversy, Karen Rees, the former head of nursing at the Countess of Chester Hospital, has also spoken out in Letby’s defence. She recalled the moment she informed Letby she was being removed from the neonatal ward in 2016 after concerns were raised by colleagues.
Ms Rees told The Times: “People say she’s not emotional. Trust me, she is emotional. I know they say psychopaths are clever, but if she was acting, she deserves an Oscar because she was so convincing.”
As the debate rages on, Letby’s case remains one of the most chilling and divisive in recent memory. But with supporters taking their admiration to disturbing lengths, the backlash against those defending her is only growing stronger.
