A new Netflix documentary featuring police footage of Lucy Letby’s arrest has drawn sharp criticism from her parents, who describe it as a ‘complete invasion of privacy.’ Susan and John Letby are speaking out publicly for the first time since their daughter’s life sentence in August 2023 for the murders of seven babies and attempted murders of seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016.
Parents’ Outrage Over Arrest Footage
The couple expressed their dismay ahead of the documentary’s release this week, which includes unreleased clips of Letby’s arrests. They claim that Detective Superintendent Paul Hughes, the lead investigator from Cheshire Constabulary, harbors a ‘deep hatred’ toward them despite their full cooperation throughout the process.
In a statement, the Letbys revealed they will not view the program, stating, ‘It would likely kill us if we did.’ They recounted the shock of the arrests, noting, ‘We’ve always imagined that if something life-changing is going to happen to you the next day, you would somehow have a premonition that something was about to happen. We can honestly say that on the eve of all three of the arrests we had absolutely no idea they were coming.’
The trailer depicts officers entering the family home in Hereford in June 2019, where Letby was staying with her parents. Footage shows her being arrested in her pyjamas on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, then led away in a dressing gown. The parents questioned the decision to release this material, asking, ‘Why is Paul Hughes… allowed to show the world what took place in our house that morning and Netflix not even have the decency to tell us?’
Growing Doubts Surrounding the Conviction
Recent analysis by medical experts has raised concerns about the prosecution’s case against Letby, now 36. The convictions relied on contested statistical evidence and theories about how harm might have been inflicted, without forensic or CCTV proof or a clear motive. Contradictions in the testimony of prosecution expert Dr. Dewi Evans have faced particular scrutiny.
Cheshire Constabulary forwarded additional evidence last year regarding eight potential attempted murders and one murder at the hospital. However, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed last month that no further charges will be filed. Letby’s defense team argues this decision stems from flaws that a new trial would expose in the original verdict.
The Letbys also disclosed that in March 2017, they informed police about hospital doctors Stephen Brearey and Ravi Jayaram, who allegedly pushed for an investigation into Letby amid challenges in caring for premature babies. They believe their daughter became a scapegoat for systemic issues.
Calls for Re-Examination
Dame Esther Rantzen, former host of the BBC’s That’s Life!, has urged a fresh review of the case. Letby’s conviction is currently under consideration by the Criminal Cases Review Commission, which could refer it back to the Court of Appeal if new evidence emerges.
