Police chiefs expressed surprise at the announcement that Lucy Letby will not face additional criminal charges. Letby, a convicted child serial killer serving multiple life sentences, committed her heinous acts at the Countess of Chester hospital between 2015 and 2016.
Cheshire Constabulary had submitted a comprehensive evidence file to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) last July under Operation Hummingbird. However, the CPS determined that the evidence provided did not meet the required standards for further charges.
In response to the decision, Cheshire Police emphasized the importance of respecting the families’ privacy and feelings. The head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division clarified that after reviewing the evidence, no new charges would be brought against Letby for alleged offenses at the hospitals.
Despite efforts to challenge her convictions, Letby, who maintains her innocence, has faced two unsuccessful appeals. Cheshire Police acknowledged the unexpected outcome but expressed gratitude to all involved in the investigation.
The police force confirmed that the CPS’s decision would not affect ongoing investigations, including Operation Duet into potential corporate and gross negligence manslaughter at the hospital. The convictions against Letby for multiple murders and attempted murders remain unaffected by the latest development.