Lucy Letby: Key Findings from the Thirlwall Inquiry Report
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Repeatedly Untruthful, Callous, and Quiet: What We Learned About Lucy Letby
By Lauren Hirst
Reporting from the Thirlwall Inquiry
Published 15 September 2026
New details have emerged about Lucy Letby, the killer neonatal nurse whose name evokes strong reactions. Letby, now 36, faces 15 whole-life prison terms for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others.
In a report by Lady Justice Thirlwall, published earlier, it's revealed that Letby:
- Was "repeatedly untruthful in her dealings with friends and colleagues."
- Displayed an "inappropriate and callous nature" noted by patients and colleagues.
- Ignored management instructions when she didn't agree with them, even shouting at a manager.
The Thirlwall Inquiry, which investigated the handling of concerns about Letby at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016, was not tasked with examining her guilt. Instead, it focused on hospital safeguarding practices.
Thirlwall found that some baby deaths and near-deaths could have been prevented if proper safeguards had been in place. The report also provides insight into Letby's behavior:
- After Baby C's death, Letby helped create a memory box for the infant's parents, despite not being assigned the task. She repeatedly ignored instructions to care for another baby she was designated to watch over while assisting with Baby C.
- Letby lied about the reaction of Baby A and Baby B's father after Baby A's death, according to a message to a colleague. The mother of these babies considered Letby's messages "attention seeking" and a "red flag."
- Her performance as a nurse during training received mixed feedback, with early assessments noting areas for improvement in enthusiasm, communication with families, and drug calculations.
In summary, the Thirlwall Inquiry report offers a detailed look into Letby's conduct, revealing patterns of untruthfulness and callous behavior that contributed to her conviction as the most prolific child killer in British legal history.