Lucy Letby’s Texts Reveal Guilt Over ‘Failing’ Her Parents Amid Chilling Crimes
Lucy Letby, the former neonatal nurse serving life sentences for murdering seven babies and attempting to kill seven others, sent a series of messages to friends expressing guilt over “failing” her parents long before her crimes came to light. Letby, now 34, has maintained her innocence despite overwhelming evidence against her.
Her parents, Susan and John Letby, have been unwavering in their support, sitting through every day of her trial and reportedly relocating to Manchester to be closer to her during the proceedings. Their involvement in their daughter’s defense has come under scrutiny during the Thirwall inquiry, which is investigating how concerns about Letby’s behavior were handled at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
Evidence presented at the inquiry revealed the lengths to which John Letby went to protect his daughter during the hospital’s internal investigations. After her colleagues raised alarms and she was removed from the neonatal unit, John exerted immense pressure on hospital staff, including demanding the “instant dismissal” of two consultants who suspected Letby of deliberately harming babies, reported by the Mirror.
Sue Hodkinson, the hospital’s former HR director, testified about John’s repeated calls to occupational health nurse Kathryn de Beger. “Kathryn described how Mr. Letby was becoming increasingly agitated, making it difficult to manage and leaving her very uncomfortable,” Hodkinson said.
More disturbingly, former hospital CEO Tony Chambers recounted a meeting in December 2016, during which John Letby reportedly made violent threats. Chambers revealed that after Lucy Letby won a grievance procedure, her father became enraged. “He was making threats… including saying he’d put a gun to my head,” Chambers testified, describing the situation as “already difficult” without such threats.
Lucy Letby’s relationship with her parents played a significant role in her life. As their only child, she admitted feeling “constantly guilty” for moving away from their home in Hereford to work in Chester. In messages to friends, she described her parents as struggling with her independence. “They hate that I live alone… I feel bad because I know it’s hard for them, but it’s what I want,” she wrote.
Despite her parents’ steadfast support, the inquiry and trial have painted a chilling picture of Letby’s double life as a seemingly “average” nurse turned one of Britain’s most notorious criminals. Their unwavering loyalty has only added to the layers of complexity surrounding this harrowing case.