Former neonatal nurse Lucy Letby will not face further criminal charges related to baby deaths and collapses at hospitals where she worked, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced. Letby, who is serving 15 life sentences for the murder of seven infants and attempted murder of seven more between June 2015 and June 2016, was under investigation for additional allegations involving nine babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Women's Hospital.

CPS Decision and Police Reaction

The CPS concluded that the evidence did not meet the threshold required to bring new charges against Letby. Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS's special crime division, stated that after a thorough review, they found the evidential test was not met for the alleged offences. Cheshire Police, who submitted the evidence, expressed surprise and disappointment, asserting their belief that the evidence met the CPS's charging standards. Despite this, they acknowledged the CPS's decision and emphasized the importance of respecting the families' privacy.

Impact on Existing Convictions and Investigations

The decision not to pursue further charges does not impact Letby's existing convictions, which followed two lengthy trials at Manchester Crown Court. These convictions are among the most significant in recent British legal history. The ongoing investigation into potential corporate manslaughter and gross negligence at the Countess of Chester Hospital remains unaffected.

Letby's Continued Claims of Innocence

Letby has consistently maintained her innocence, attributing the babies' deaths to inadequate care and under-qualified staff at the hospital. Her legal team has referred the case to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, citing a dossier of expert reports that they claim undermine her convictions. Mark McDonald, Letby's barrister, reiterated her innocence, arguing that there is overwhelming evidence against the notion that she harmed any children.