Letby inquiry delays publishing report amid miscarriage of justice fears
The Lucy Letby inquiry has delayed publishing its report amid ongoing fears of a miscarriage of justice.
Its findings were set to be released by the end of November 2025 but are now expected in early 2026, a statement on the Thirlwall Inquiry website said.
Letby, 35, of Herefordshire, was convicted of the murders of seven babies and the attempted murders of seven others while working at the Countess of Chester Hospital in 2015 and 2016.
After she was sentenced to 15 life terms in prison, the Thirlwall Inquiry was launched to find out how she was able to commit her crimes.
However, since then many experts have challenged the way in which the evidence was presented to the jury, and a panel of world-leading experts has reviewed the medical notes and concluded that there were no malicious acts.
Letby's case is being considered by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which looks into potential miscarriages of justice, although police and the Crown Prosecution Service insist she was fairly convicted.
Lady Justice Thirlwall had previously announced that she hoped her findings from the public inquiry would be released in November.
An update on progress
However, the statement on its website on Thursday said: 'The inquiry has written to core participants with an update on the progress of the final report.
'Lady Justice Thirlwall, is expected to send out warning letters from September 2025 and the final report will be completed by the end of November. The report will then undergo copy editing and typesetting, ahead of publication in early 2026.'
Warning letters are sent to those who may be subject to significant or explicit criticism in an inquiry report and allows them the chance to respond.
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