Child serial killer nurse Lucy Letby expressed concerns to a colleague over email more than a year before her arrest, revealing she felt she “maybe done something wrong” to babies. The revelation came during an inquiry into events surrounding Letby’s crimes. Kathyrn de Beger testified at the Thirlwall Inquiry that she was tasked with supporting Letby’s mental health following her removal from the neonatal unit in 2016.
The inquiry heard that Letby, who was later convicted of murdering seven babies, mentioned feeling distressed around anniversaries of babies’ deaths. De Beger stated that Letby’s distress was particularly evident during these times, but emphasised the importance of managing her feelings and discussing coping strategies. Despite Letby’s email expressing self-blame, De Beger explained that she previously believed Letby had done nothing wrong.
The investigation into Letby began in 2017, with her eventual arrest taking place in July 2018. Dr. Joanne Davies, a consultant clinical lead, shared that before the deaths of two triplets in June 2016, there were suspicions of wrongdoing on the neonatal unit. Gossip of a potential “Beverley Allitt” situation circulated, referring to a nurse who committed similar crimes in 1991.
The ongoing inquiry at Liverpool Town Hall is expected to continue shedding light on the events leading up to Letby’s arrest. The complexities surrounding Letby’s actions and mental state are being meticulously examined to understand the full extent of the tragedy. Letby’s case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of recognising warning signs and taking swift action to prevent such heartbreaking incidents.