Lucy Letby Defence: ‘Dedicated Nurse’, No Intent to Harm, Claims Lawyer
Ben Myers KC, defending nurse Lucy Letby, painted her as a committed professional who never intended to hurt the babies in her care. Speaking at Manchester Crown Court, he slammed the prosecution’s case as a “theory of guilt based firmly on coincidence” — pointing out that many premature babies collapsed when Letby wasn’t even on duty.
Defence Denies All Allegations: ‘No Evidence of Harm’
Myers dismissed claims that Letby used a clever but deadly method to kill newborns without leaving traces. “These are allegations of attacks, poisonings, and sabotage,” he said, warning the jury of their emotional weight. “The fact that Lucy Letby was present at the time of a child’s deterioration has itself become the explanation for that deterioration — despite no evidence she caused it.”
The 32-year-old nurse, from Hereford, faces serious charges of deliberately harming and poisoning newborns between June 2015 and June 2016 at Countess of Chester Hospital’s neonatal unit.
‘I Am Evil’ Note: Cry for Help, Not Confession, Claims Defence
Myers referenced a key Post-it note where Letby wrote in capitals: “I am evil, I did this.” He described it as “the anguished outpouring of a young woman in fear and despair” — overwhelmed by the allegations leveled at her.
At the time, Letby was also struggling with work grievances against the NHS trust. The note included phrases like “Not good enough,” “I’m a terrible person,” and “I will never marry or have children.” Myers said Letby was someone who regularly scribbled down her feelings and kept notes — nothing “extraordinary.”
Defence Highlights Emotional Toll and Calls for Fair Justice
“I can’t think of any allegations more upsetting or damaging to our instinct to protect children,” Myers told the jury. “Everyone’s sympathies are with the families affected. Nothing I say diminishes that.”
He cautioned against convicting without solid evidence, calling such a verdict “staggeringly unfair.” The defence fears the jury might simply accept a coincidence-based guilt theory without proof, potentially overlooking systemic failures or mistakes by others.
“Lucy Letby was a dedicated nurse, passionate about her work and deeply concerned for the babies and families,” Myers said. “She had a fulfilling personal life too.”
Six years after the first allegations, Myers reminded the court that Letby is a real person and urged jurors to separate the past events from how she is now. “Anyone who treats this like a done deal is completely wrong.”
Trial Ongoing as Letby Pleads Not Guilty
Lucy Letby firmly denies all charges. The trial continues as the court weighs one of the most shocking medical criminal cases in recent UK history.
