CPS statement on Lucy Letby retrial decisions
We have sought a retrial on one count of attempted murder against Lucy Letby – there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.
Jonathan Storer, Chief Crown Prosecutor, CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said:
“These decisions on whether to seek retrials on the remaining counts of attempted murder were extremely complex and difficult.
“Before reaching our conclusions we listened carefully to the views of the families affected, police and prosecution counsel.
“Many competing factors were considered including the evidence heard by the court during the long trial and its impact on our legal test for proceeding with a prosecution.
“We have met with all the families affected by these decisions to explain how they were reached.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Our legal guidance on retrials is available to read here: Retrials | The Crown Prosecution Service (cps.gov.uk)
- Our legal test for prosecution, the Code for Crown prosecutors, is available to read here: The Code for Crown Prosecutors | The Crown Prosecution Service (cps.gov.uk)
- In August, Lucy Letby was found guilty of seven counts of murder and seven counts of attempted murder. She was found not guilty of two counts of attempted murder. She was sentenced to life imprisonment with a whole-life term.
- There were a further six counts of attempted murder - relating to five babies - on which the jury was unable to reach verdicts. Today’s decisions relate to these counts.