The release of The Investigation of Lucy Letby on Netflix has sparked significant controversy, with critics arguing that its sensationalist approach fails to serve the gravity of the case. This documentary, which explores the convictions of the neonatal nurse for seven murders and seven attempted murders of babies at the Countess of Chester hospital, is at least the fifth such production since her trials in 2023 and 2024. Unlike earlier efforts, such as ITV's Lucy Letby: Beyond Reasonable Doubt?, which meticulously dissected the evidence, this film opts for a broader, more emotionally charged narrative.
Emotive Footage and Ethical Concerns
One of the most contentious aspects of the documentary is its inclusion of previously unseen footage showing Letby's arrest at her parents' home. Her parents have expressed distress, stating they were unaware of this footage's use until informed by her barrister and that watching it "would likely kill us." The film features her mother's howl of distress as police take Letby away, a sound described as almost inhuman. Critics question the value of such inclusions, suggesting they prioritise sensationalism over substantive analysis, potentially manipulating viewer emotions rather than fostering rational appraisal.
Presentation of the Prosecution's Case
In the first hour of the 90-minute programme, the police and prosecution's case is outlined. This includes details on the spike in infant deaths and collapses between 2015 and 2016, their correlation with Letby's presence on the unit, and the cessation of incidents after her removal. The documentary also highlights evidence such as 250 patient handover sheets found at her home, filed in date order in a box marked "Keep," and Post-it notes with phrases like "I am evil" and "I did this." Expert witness Dewi Evans, a retired paediatrician, testified that certain symptoms indicated deliberate harm, often via air embolisms.
Challenges to the Evidence
The final half-hour shifts focus to Letby's current lawyer, Mark McDonald, and Dr Shoo Lee, who critique much of the prosecution's evidence. McDonald notes an unusual email from a Court of Appeal judge to the trial judge, expressing concerns that Evans's testimony might be tailored. The Post-it notes, according to Letby, were written on NHS therapist advice, reflecting fears of unintentional harm and feelings of victimisation in a "cliquey" unit. Additionally, the drop in mortality rates when Letby left is attributed to the unit's downgrade and reduced intake of sick children. Lee, whose paper Evans cited, convened an independent panel that found alternative explanations for all prosecution theories, concluding "no murders."
Impact on Victims and Ongoing Suffering
The film includes heartbreaking contributions from an anonymised mother of one of the babies, raising ethical questions about their inclusion for television appeal. While intended to highlight human impact, such elements may overshadow factual analysis. The case remains under review by the Criminal Cases Review Commission, with a decision expected in autumn, as everyone involved continues to endure suffering. The Investigation of Lucy Letby is currently available on Netflix, prompting debates on media responsibility in high-profile legal cases.
