A children’s nurse today appeared in court charged with the murders of eight babies and the attempted murder of ten infants.
Lucy Letby, 30, was charged last night following her arrest for the third time since 2018.
The eight babies allegedly murdered by the nurse, who were all aged under one, were named in court today as; Cemlyn Bennett, Joseph Johnson, Elsie McNall, Barney Gee, Daisy Parkin, Maddie Freed, and twin brothers, Joseph Gelder and Eli Gelder who died one day apart.
Nine of the ten attempted murder victims – five girls and five boys, including another set of twins – cannot be named for legal reasons.
The alleged offences all relate to a period between 2015 and 2016 and follow an investigation into baby deaths at the Countess of Chester Hospital’s neonatal unit.
Letby appeared via video link at Warrington Magistrates’ Court, from Blacon Police Station in Chester where she is being held over the 18 charges, and spoke to confirm her name, age and address.
The 30-year-old was remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at Chester Crown Court tomorrow. Families of the alleged victims were also watching the proceedings via a video link at remote locations.
These are the babies she is alleged to have murdered on the following dates:
Cemlyn Bennett, 8 June 2015
Joseph Johnson, Between 12 and 15 June 2015
Elsie McNall, 22 June 2015
Barney Gee, Between 2 and 5 August 2015
Daisy Parkin, Between 21 and 24 October 2015
Maddie Freed, 20 February 2016
Joseph Gelder, 23 June 2016
Eli Gelder, 24 June 2016
Figures show the number of babies who died at the facility rose in 2015 and 2016.
2009 – 3
2010 – 1
2011 – 3
2012 – 3
2013 – 2
2014 – 3
2015 – 8
2016 – 5