As the trial of Lucy Letby, a 33-year-old nurse accused of murdering multiple babies, unfolded at Manchester Crown Court, the courtroom was presented with a shocking display of evidence that delved into the defendant’s personal life. The nurse, who was initially arrested in July 2018, is facing allegations that she murdered seven babies and attempted to murder 10 others between June 2015 and June 2016.
The trial revealed that police had searched Letby’s three-bedroom property in Westbourne Road, Chester, where they found a series of disturbing items. Among these were two framed pictures on the bedroom walls, featuring the slogans “Shine Like A Diamond” and “Leave Sparkles Wherever You Go”. The court also saw photographs of the bedroom floor, which contained a red suitcase, a large burgundy handbag, and a small black handbag. Of particular interest to the prosecution was a set of notes recovered from one of the handbags, which contained closely written words that filled the pages. The notes included declarations of love for a doctor colleague, as well as phrases such as “Help Me”, “I Can’t Do This Any More”, and “How Can Life Be This Way”.
The prosecution also presented evidence of a 2016 diary recovered from a chest of drawers in Letby’s bedroom. The diary contained entries that appeared to be related to the alleged attacks on the babies. For example, on April 8th, the date of birth for two twin boys, a reference to “twins” was recorded. The next day, a note stating “twin resus” was made. Further entries on June 23rd, 24th, and 25th included initial letters that the prosecution claims were linked to three other babies, including two triplet boys, that Letby allegedly attacked on those dates.
Lucy Letby
One of the most disturbing pieces of evidence presented in court was a green Post-it note, which was found inside the diary. The note read, in part, “I don’t deserve to live. I killed them on purpose because I’m not good enough to care for them”, “I am a horrible evil person”, and in capital letters “I am evil I did this”. The prosecution claimed that this note was evidence of Letby’s guilt, while the defense argued that it was simply an anguished outpouring from a young woman in fear and despair.
In his opening speech, Ben Myers KC, defending, told jurors that the Post-it note was not proof of Letby’s guilt, but rather a sign of her emotional turmoil. He claimed that the note was written at a time when Letby was feeling overwhelmed and desperate, and that it should not be taken as proof of her involvement in the alleged murders.
The trial has been ongoing for some time, with Letby denying all the allegations against her. It remains to be seen whether the prosecution will be able to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, and whether Letby will be found guilty of the crimes she is accused of.
