The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has confirmed that child serial killer Lucy Letby will not face further criminal charges in relation to additional allegations of baby deaths and non-fatal collapses. This decision, announced on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, follows a review of evidence submitted by Cheshire Constabulary, which prosecutors deemed did not meet the required evidential test.
Prosecutors and Police at Odds Over Evidence Standards
Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, stated that the file received in July 2025 included allegations against Letby, aged 36, concerning incidents at the Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Women's Hospital. After a thorough assessment, the CPS concluded that the evidence was insufficient to support charges of murder or attempted murder for two infants who died and seven who survived.
In a rare public rebuttal, Cheshire Constabulary expressed disappointment, asserting that the evidence met their charging standards. The force emphasised the need to respect the privacy and feelings of the affected families, acknowledging that some might view the news as a cause for celebration, though they do not share this perspective.
Letby's Legal Battles and Campaigner Support
Lucy Letby, who was sentenced to 15 whole-life terms for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others between June 2015 and June 2016, has consistently maintained her innocence. Last year, she lost two appeals to challenge her convictions at the Court of Appeal.
A group of campaigners continues to support Letby, having submitted 31 reports to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) compiled by 26 international experts. These reports argue that there is overwhelming evidence that no babies were murdered, aiming to overturn her convictions.
Political and Legal Reactions to the Decision
Tory MP Sir David Davis has repeatedly called for a retrial, urging the CCRC to expedite its review and refer the case back to the Court of Appeal. Letby's barrister, Mark McDonald, echoed this sentiment, stressing the urgency of an appeal to address what he describes as a miscarriage of justice.
Meanwhile, lawyer Tamlin Bolton, representing several families of the babies harmed or killed by Letby, highlighted the ongoing need for support and answers for affected families. She noted that while today's decision is noted, the focus remains on ensuring families receive the necessary therapies and closure.
This development underscores the complexities in high-profile criminal cases, where evidential thresholds and public scrutiny intersect, leaving families and legal experts grappling with the outcomes.
