In a new Netflix documentary, previously unseen letters from Lucy Letby to a close friend unveil the convicted nurse’s reflections on her life in prison as she faces a trial for the murder of seven infants. Letby, who is currently serving multiple life sentences at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, expressed feelings of isolation and longing for her beloved cats while maintaining a determination to persevere through her challenging circumstances.
A Glimpse into Prison Life
The handwritten letters, shared in the documentary titled *The Investigation of Lucy Letby*, paint a poignant picture of the nurse’s daily existence behind bars. Letby, who was convicted in 2023 of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others, wrote to her friend Maisie, a fellow nurse and former university companion, about her experiences.
“I am able to shower each day and go outside for a walk,” Letby noted in one letter, highlighting the importance of getting fresh air despite the chilly weather. Her longing for her two cats, Tigger and Smudge, is palpable as she expressed heartache over their inability to understand her absence. “They must think I’m a terrible mummy!” she lamented, while finding solace in knowing her parents were caring for them.
The Support of Friendship
Maisie, whose identity has been protected, has remained in contact with Letby throughout her legal troubles. Reflecting on their friendship, she shared the emotional turmoil of supporting someone accused of such heinous crimes. “I always try to be really positive,” she said, conveying her struggle to reconcile her feelings for her friend with the gravity of the allegations against her. “There’s always doubt because as much as you know someone, you never know the whole of someone.”
In light of her friend’s conviction, Maisie finds it increasingly difficult to know what to say, grappling with the societal perception of Letby as a “baby murderer” while holding onto their shared history.
The Legal Battle Continues
As Letby awaits her appeal, her barrister, Mark McDonald, has expressed grave concerns regarding the lack of concrete evidence in her case. He noted that the absence of CCTV footage and the fact that no one at the Countess of Chester Hospital witnessed her harming the infants raises significant questions. McDonald characterised Letby’s handwritten notes—where she described herself as “evil”—as therapeutic reflections rather than confessions of guilt.
In the documentary, Letby explained the context behind her notes, stating, “Everything had got on top of me. I felt like they were blaming my practice… and that made me feel guilty.” Her comments reveal a complex psychological landscape, where guilt and blame intertwine, reflecting the turmoil that has enveloped her life since her arrest.
Voices of Grief and Anger
The documentary also features the heart-wrenching account of a mother whose baby, referred to as ‘Baby D’ in the trial, was among Letby’s victims. Using the pseudonym ‘Sarah’, she recounted the emotional weight of facing Letby during the trial, feeling the enormity of her loss and the perceived failure to protect her child. “Every time she looked at me, I’d have to look down,” Sarah shared, emphasising the deep pain and trauma that persists for families affected by this tragedy.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has weighed in on the matter, affirming the importance of allowing the legal system to determine Letby’s fate. “Lucy Letby is a convicted criminal,” he stated firmly, underlining the seriousness of her crimes and the necessity for a just process, free from public campaigns for her acquittal.
Why it Matters
The unfolding story of Lucy Letby continues to resonate deeply, not only due to the gravity of her crimes but also because it highlights the complex interplay of justice, mental health, and the enduring impact on victims’ families. As her appeal process looms, the discussions surrounding her case reflect broader societal questions about accountability, the limits of friendship, and the pain of loss. This narrative serves as a stark reminder of the real human consequences behind legal battles, drawing attention to the profound grief of families who still seek closure amidst the chaos of a criminal justice system in the spotlight.
