Doctor tells inquiry it's 'likely' Lucy Letby murdered children before June 2015

A senior doctor has told an enquiry that he believes it is 'likely' that former neo-natal nurse Lucy Letby 'murdered and assaulted' children before June 2015. This was the date when Child A was murdered, and the earliest murder that Letby was convicted of.

Letby is currently serving 15 whole life orders after she was convicted at Manchester Crown Court of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others. This means she will spend the rest of her life in prison.

Now, the Thirlwall Inquiry is examining the events surrounding Letby's crimes. Dr Stephen Brearey was among those giving evidence, telling the inquiry that he didn't think that Letby 'started' being a serial killer or harming babies in June 2015.

Dr Brearey, a neonatal clinical lead, told the inquiry: “On reflection I think it’s likely that Letby didn’t start becoming a killer in June 2015, or didn’t start harming babies in June 2015. I think it’s likely that her actions prior to then over a period of time changed what we perceived to be abnormal.”

Peter Skelton KC represents the families of Letby's victims. Questioning Dr Brearey, he said: "Child A was murdered on June 8 2015. Is it your view that she (Letby) had murdered or assaulted children in your hospital prior to that date?

Dr Brearey replied: “I think that’s likely, yes.”

Mr Skelton said: “On reflection now, do you look back and see a number of unexpected collapses or deaths which with information now available to you appear suspicious?”

"Yes,” replied Dr Brearey.

Mr Skelton then asked: “On reflection now, do you recall having any concerns about those collapses or deaths at the time or did your colleagues?” Dr Brearey said: “No, as far as I’m aware neither me or my colleagues had concerns at