An inquest is scheduled for February of next year into the death of a key witness in the trial of convicted child murderer Lucy Letby, who was referred to as 'Doctor A' during proceedings. The 53-year-old consultant was found unresponsive in his vehicle in a car park in North-West England and died nine days later on July 3 at Whiston Hospital in Merseyside. He had been reported missing by his family and was dismissed from his hospital position the day before his discovery, following an investigation into inappropriate text messages exchanged with Letby while they both worked at the Countess of Chester Hospital, which were found to have breached patient confidentiality.
Sources close to the case have highlighted the need for transparency in the inquest, particularly given the ongoing public and media interest in Letby's conviction. Lucy Letby was found guilty of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others between June 2015 and June 2016 at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Concerns have been raised about the potential for bias in the inquest proceedings, with suggestions that the coroner should be from outside the North-West region, given the coroner's officer's role within Cheshire Police, a force involved in the Letby prosecution.
Questions have been raised about the anonymity granted to 'Doctor A' during the trial. While legal professionals suggest that criminal anonymity, which protects vulnerable witnesses, may no longer apply following his death, a civil court order reportedly remains in place. Critics argue that the public has a right to know his identity, as his evidence was central to the conviction of Letby, a woman whose guilt many experts believe is questionable.
The case has also drawn attention to the possibility of an appeal against Letby's conviction. Her barrister, Mark McDonald, filed an application with the Criminal Cases Review Commission in February of the previous year. It is anticipated that a decision on this application could be announced in the autumn, potentially leading to an appeal hearing approximately a year from now.
Arguments have been made for the live filming of any future appeal hearing, a move that would be unprecedented in British criminal justice but is seen by some as a way to ensure public confidence in the process. The original trial's reporting restrictions, which limited the naming of victims and their parents, have also been cited as contributing to a perception that justice was not seen to be done.
'Doctor A' was described as a significant witness for the prosecution, providing a motive for Letby's alleged crimes in the absence of direct evidence. While the prosecution portrayed Letby as an emotionally needy individual seeking attention from 'Doctor A', his own communications and interactions with her, detailed in over a thousand messages and visits, have been presented as evidence of his persistent attention. His testimony from behind a screen in court led to Letby becoming visibly distressed, suggesting a deep sense of betrayal.
The circumstances surrounding 'Doctor A's' death and the upcoming inquest are seen by some as critical to addressing doubts about the safety of Letby's conviction and ensuring a complete and open examination of the facts.