Experts Withdraw Support from Lucy Letby's Defense, Citing Credibility Concerns

Two experts, Helen Shannon and Geoff Chase, who were part of Lucy Letby's defense team, have withdrawn their support, citing concerns over the 'scientific credibility' of some evidence presented. Letby, a nurse convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, is currently serving 15 whole-life terms. The experts previously contributed to a report that questioned her convictions related to the attempted murder of two babies poisoned with insulin. They stated that the defense strategy, led by barrister Mark McDonald, poses a significant risk to Letby's long-term interests. A public inquiry into the case, led by Lady Justice Thirlwall, is set to release its findings today, which are expected to address missed opportunities for intervention by hospital management during a spike in neonatal deaths in 2015 and 2016. The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is reviewing new evidence submitted by an expert panel, including Canadian neonatologist Dr. Shoo Lee, who has claimed that the babies' deaths were due to natural causes or inadequate care rather than murder. The experts expressed their inability to support certain arguments made by Letby's defense, stating that they are inconsistent with established science and physiology. They also mentioned ethical concerns regarding their continued association with the defense. McDonald responded that the case for Letby's innocence does not rely solely on any one expert and highlighted new evidence from various international experts that challenges the trial's scientific basis. The CCRC has been reviewing Letby's case for 18 months, and a police investigation into potential corporate manslaughter at the hospital is ongoing.