An order that prevented the naming of a doctor, who was described as Lucy Letby's boyfriend during her trial, has been lifted by a court. Dr. Mark Deakin, a consultant at Alder Hey hospital, was referred to as Letby's boyfriend during the proceedings. He had been granted special measures and anonymity to give evidence in relation to several babies. Deakin testified from behind a screen, shielding him from Letby, the public gallery, and the media.
His testimony provided details of emergency calls and resuscitations in which he and Letby were jointly involved. Text messages exchanged between them were also presented to the jury. During his first appearance in the witness box, Letby reportedly became emotional, a rare display during the trial.
Under cross-examination, Letby denied that Deakin was her boyfriend but acknowledged they had taken a trip to London together. The prosecuting barrister, Nick Johnson KC, suggested Letby's reaction to Deakin taking the stand was due to not wanting to hear her boyfriend testify, a suggestion Letby called "unfair."
Prosecutors also revealed WhatsApp messages in which a friend teased Letby about being "flirty" with Deakin. When asked if she had a "crush" on him, Letby stated, "No," and asserted, "There was nothing between me and that Mark."
Deakin was one of several former colleagues whose joint testimony contributed to the prosecution's case. However, none of the convictions against Letby rested solely on his evidence. Letby, who maintains her innocence, is currently serving 15 life sentences. The Criminal Cases Review Commission is reviewing her convictions.