Lucy Letby should be forced to hear victims’ families statements in her cell during sentencing, ex-Justice Sec demands
BABY killer Lucy Letby should have the heartbreaking statements from her victims’ families piped into her cell, an MP says.
The nurse, who murdered seven newborns, is refusing to attend court for sentencing today.
But former Justice Secretary Sir Robert Buckland insisted the proceedings should be played in her cell regardless of her wishes.
He said yesterday: “Sadly, the court’s hands are tied. My suggestion would be to make sure there was a live link beamed into the cell of the sound and/or send pictures to ensure that Letby has nowhere to hide and in fact has to listen to what the judge is saying about the case.
“Most importantly, she needs to hear the victims’ personal statements as that will bring home the appalling and devastating impact of the loss of these innocent babies.”
Letby, 33, is expected to become only the third woman alive to be handed a whole life term, meaning she will never be released from prison.
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Under laws set to be proposed in the King’s Speech later this year, offenders will be required to attend court to hear their punishment.
Sir Robert, who served as Justice Secretary from 2019 to 2021, said: “I’m glad the Government is taking necessary action.”
Letby targeted newborns at the Countess of Chester Hospital during a year-long murder spree.
Senior NHS managers missed multiple opportunities to stop her, tried to silence suspicious doctors and delayed calling cops.
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Meanwhile, calls for a judicial inquiry are growing.
At present, the probe into Letby will not have the power to force witnesses to give evidence.
Emotionless Killer
A SENIOR detective investigating Lucy Letby was “surprised” by how controlled she was when presented with horrific evidence.
Det Supt Paul Hughes said the nurse was emotionless, adding: “It was surprising. This was someone who had never been involved with police before. She was quiet and she was controlled.
His colleague, Det Sgt Danielle Stonier who also quizzed Letby, recalled: “Some of the evidence we were putting to her was really graphic. But she was calm, cool and confident.”