An inquest into the deaths of five babies linked to serial killer nurse Lucy Letby has been adjourned until September.
The hearings, which formally opened today at Cheshire Coroner’s Court, were adjourned shortly after proceedings began. They relate to the deaths of five infants all of whom were among Letby’s victims at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
Lucy Letby, 36, is currently serving 15 whole-life prison sentences after being convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others between June 2015 and June 2016.
She became the most prolific child serial killer in modern British history following two trials at Manchester Crown Court.
The inquests are separate from both Letby’s criminal trials and the public inquiry, and will focus specifically on establishing the medical causes of death and the circumstances surrounding each child.
The Thirlwall Inquiry, set up by the government following Letby’s convictions, is expected to report later this year. It is examining management decisions, hospital culture and whether earlier intervention could have prevented the deaths.
(Featured image courtesy of Cheshire Police)
