Killer nurse Lucy Letby's 'confession' note

Lucy Letby, 33, was found guilty by a jury of murdering babies while working at the Countess of Chester Hospital

Author: Owen ArandsPublished 18th Aug 2023
Last updated 18th Aug 2023

A nurse, convicted of murdering babies while working in a hospital neonatal ward, allegedly confessed to the killings in a handwritten note.

33-year-old Lucy Letby, convicted by a jury for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six others at the Countess of Chester Hospital, wrote "I am evil, I did this" in a note discovered by detectives in her home.

Jurors at her trial in Manchester Crown Court saw the note, which also read, "I killed them on purpose because I'm not good enough to care for them."

The Countess of Chester Hospital where Lucy Letby worked for five years

Letby was first detained during a dawn arrest in July 2018 at her three-bedroom home on Westbourne Road, Chester.

Among the recovered items were notes filled with closely written words, sentences, and doodles. Some appeared incoherent, but the phrases "Please help me" and "I can't do it anymore" were repeatedly used, the court heard.

One sentence read: "No one will ever understand or appreciate what it's like," while another stated: "I want someone to help me but they can't, so what's the point in asking? I hate my life."

Names of some colleagues also appeared in the notes, including a declaration of love for a doctor who cannot be identified for legal reasons. Next to his name were "I loved you" and "My best friend".

Police photographs showing the note which allegedly shows Letby's 'confession'

Among other papers and Post-it notes found were "many protestations of innocence," Nick Johnson KC, prosecuting, told the jury.

After searching her house on Westbourne Road in Chester, "interesting items" were found, said Mr. Johnson.

Paperwork relating to many of the children who died or suffered collapses was found, along with Post-it notes with closely written words that included the names of some colleagues.

Mr. Johnson noted these included phrases such as "Why/how has this happened - what process has led to this current situation. What allegations have been made and by whom?" and "Do they have written evidence to support their comments?"

Part of another note found at Letby's home which reads "please help me"

The prosecutor said Letby expressed frustration in her writings because she was not being allowed back on the neonatal unit, writing, "I haven't done anything wrong, and they have no evidence, so why have I had to hide away?"

Mr. Johnson added, "Her notes also expressed concern for the long-term effects of what she feared was being alleged against her, and there are many protestations of innocence."

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.