Letby may face retrial on six attempted murder charges
Posted 08 September 2023 - 12:18
Crown Prosecution Service considering merits of fresh trial for charges where no verdict was returned, after jury found nurse guilty of seven murders
Prosecutors will announce later this month if they intend to bring a fresh trial against Lucy Letby on a number of outstanding charges of attempted murder.
Letby was sentenced to a whole-life prison term last month for the murders of seven babies and attempted murders of six others on the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital, where she worked, in 2015 and 2016.
Initial jury was unable to reach a verdict on six counts of attempted murder
However, the jury in her trial at Manchester Crown Court was unable to reach a verdict on six counts of attempted murder in relation to five babies.
She was cleared of two counts of attempted murder.
- RELATED: Lucy Letby given whole life sentence
A hearing is scheduled to take place at the court on 25 September, when the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will state its intentions regarding a retrial.
Decision on retrial will depend on public interest factors
CPS guidance suggests the decision to seek a retrial will depend on whether it is deemed in the public interest. It states: ‘Only cases involving significant public interest factors in favour of prosecution warrant a retrial.’
If a jury fails to reach a verdict at the first trial there is a ‘presumption’ that a retrial will be sought, according to the CPS. Various factors are taken into account when a retrial is considered, including the merits of the case, views of the police, views of the victims and likely reasons for the jury’s failure to reach a verdict.
Letby was sentenced on 21 August. She denied all charges and refused to attend her sentencing.
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