Lucy Letby trial: Nurse denies attacking baby boy to get doctor's attention
The 33 year old nurse denies the murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of ten others
Last updated 8th Jun 2023
A nurse accused of murder has denied attacking a baby boy to get the attention of a doctor who prosecutors have suggested she "had a crush on".
Lucy Letby, 33, is alleged to have murdered the newborn triplet, Child O, on her first shift back at the Countess of Chester Hospital following a holiday in Ibiza with friends.
The defendant has told jurors at Manchester Crown Court she was not in love with the doctor and they were just friends.
Both Letby and the registrar - who cannot be identified for legal reasons - were working a day shift on June 23 2016.
During the morning, Letby texted the doctor:
"Bit rubbish that you couldn't stay on nnu (neonatal unit).
"You may get time for lunch though if on clinic."
Prosecutor Nick Johnson KC asked Letby:
"Were you disappointed he was not there?"
Letby said: "Yes, I enjoyed working with (the doctor)."
Mr Johnson said:
"Were you missing him?"
Letby said: "No, this was my first day back at work."
Mr Johnson said: "Did you want to get his attention?"
"No," Letby said.
Mr Johnson asked: "Is that the reason you sabotaged (Child O)?"
"No," Letby repeated.
Child O's designated nurse Letby called for the doctor's assistance at about 1.15pm after the infant vomited following a milk feed 45 minutes earlier.
Medical entries showed Letby signed for the feed but, giving her 13th day of evidence, the defendant told the court that the child was actually fed by a student nurse she was mentoring.
Mr Johnson said: "You deliberately overfed (Child O), didn't you?"
Letby replied: "No I didn't. I was not feeding this baby."
Up to 90 minutes later, Letby called for help from the registrar who was working in a neighbouring nursery, the court heard.
The prosecutor asked her: "Were you trying to get his attention?"
Letby said: "Yes, I wanted him to be with (Child O)."
Mr Johnson said: "Personal attention as well?"
Letby said: "No, he was the registrar on the unit that day."
On Wednesday, Letby denied the prosecutor's suggestion that she had "a crush" on the doctor.
Letby, from Hereford, denies the murders of seven babies and the attempted murders of 10 others between June 2015 and June 2016.
The trial continues.