Lucy Letby was handed a whole life order during a sentencing hearing at Manchester Crown Court a week ago today
Sitting in the packed-out annex - once filled with journalists for the public inquiry into the Manchester Arena attack - tension filled the air.
Many had waited so long for this day - to see the woman responsible for so much pain and suffering held responsible for her despicable behaviour. But the one person who connected them refused to walk up the stairs from the cells, to sit in the dock and face justice. They had been unable to speak of their pain, their suffering, their grief, due to the investigation and trial process. Until now.
After the loss of their little boy, they ensured a member of the family was always by their little girl’s side. But, their efforts were in vain, as Letby then attacked Baby B in the same way, the moment their backs were turned. “It was like nothing I had ever experienced before. The way he smelt, the feel of his fine blonde hair on my chin. My tiny feisty boy, my first born, my son.”
“Lucy Letby had a chance to say something to all us parents of the victims, and she only had one word - “unimaginable”, Baby D’s mum began. Her voice was quiet but unwavering.She said she wished to end her life so she could be with her little girl. “My arms, my heart and my life all felt so painfully empty,” she wept.
Baby F has since been left with severe learning difficulties, as a result of being poisoned with a large amount of insulin. “Baby G won’t get the experience of all the things she should, she will never graduate, never have a first boyfriend, a first kiss or get married.Despite being born at 27 weeks, Baby I was doing ‘really well’. She suffered three collapses. By the third one she was doing exceptionally. “She was like a full term baby”.
The strain of the case has been ‘unbearable’ for their mum and dad. Both said they have suffered with their mental health. “We came to the hospital to find a catastrophic scene and our baby fighting for life - not knowing if he was going to live or die,” his mum’s statement read. 'It has destroyed me as a man and as a father' The final parents to read their statements were shown by way of video.
His tears flowed but he continued on, detailing the heartbreak he has been living with. On losing Baby O, he said: “I felt like I had been stabbed in the heart.” Struggling to come to terms with their deaths he turned to alcohol. “It has destroyed me as a man and as a father.” “You have caused deep psychological trauma, brought enduring grief and feelings of guilt, caused strains in relationships and disruption to the lives of all the families of all your victims.
He told broadcasters: “The first thing is to extend my sympathies to everyone affected by this. I think, like everyone reading about this, it’s just shocking and harrowing.
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