The conviction of Lucy Letby, a neonatal nurse, for the murder of seven babies and attempted murder of seven more at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016, sparked global headlines. However, a growing number of medical professionals, legal experts, and commentators believe she is innocent and a victim of a miscarriage of justice.

Letby, 35, was depicted by the prosecution as a malicious figure who intentionally harmed the infants. Evidence included an apparent confession note where she admitted to killing babies “on purpose,” and statements such as “I am a horrible evil person” and “I AM EVIL I DID THIS.”

Despite her two failed appeals and 15 life sentences, a new report from a panel of 14 international experts asserts there’s no medical evidence supporting the charges. The report claims the deaths and injuries were due to natural causes or inadequate medical care, not criminal acts.

This report, which has been submitted to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), challenges the prosecution’s key medical evidence. Letby’s lawyer argues the report undermines the conviction, citing “overwhelming evidence this conviction is unsafe.”

Specifically, the report questions the interpretation of skin discoloration as evidence of air embolism by the prosecution’s expert. The panel, including a co-author of the 1989 paper cited by the prosecution, contends the research was misinterpreted, stating the expert’s findings are “without evidentiary basis.”

The report also casts doubt on the alleged insulin poisonings, suggesting instead that substandard care, including delayed treatment and misdiagnosis, contributed to the babies’ deterioration. The panel criticizes the hospital’s staffing levels and working conditions, suggesting systemic failures.

The CCRC is now reviewing the case, focusing on the contested medical evidence. While a review could lead to a retrial, this process could take months, and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is likely to oppose any bail application. A public inquiry into the hospital is also ongoing, and prosecutors may pursue additional charges related to incidents at Liverpool Women’s Hospital.

The CCRC acknowledges receiving an application and the substantial volume of evidence involved, stating the review timeline is currently undetermined. The CPS maintains Letby’s conviction, noting the evidence reviewed by two juries and three appeal court judges.